Script:

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Cheika, Australia coach:

"Well, he's played really well in this tournament, you know? He's come through, he's done really well. He's very eager to play, he was very eager to try and get on the field the week before, but he couldn't get back in time, so he's going very good, he's done everything in training yesterday and he's looking forward to it."
Question: "Are you taking a risk with him?"
"No, you can't hide there, where he's playing, you know what I mean? You've got to get into it, so he's fine."

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Cheika, Australia coach:

"There's no 'secret squirrel', you know what I mean, like? (Laughter) Can I say 'All Blacks' now for you? Oh! Hang on! (feigns being attacked by something unseen) Poltergeist! (Laughter) No, mate, I think it... maybe everyone's got a little bit too much time on their hands, you know what I mean, because that's sort of like making something out of nothing, that one."

SOUNDBITE (English) Scott Fardy:

"Yeah, they are totally different characters, those two, so... I guess I keep them together, because they are either end of the spectrum. One likes his veggie garden, one likes his surfing, so they are a bit different, so yeah, I enjoy playing alongside them and helping them out when I can."

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Hooper:

"You know, fantastic. They are a group of players who do the small stuff really well everywhere, so to find weaknesses, it's tough. They are a great team, a great outfit, but like I've said and like we've been saying, this whole competition, it's on us and how we can be better as an individual and a a team."
Question: "But (Richie) McCaw especially, any special challenges when you go up against him (the New Zealand captain)?"
"Oh, an outstanding player. Outstanding career."

SOUNDBITE (English) Scott Sio:

"You know, these injuries are all about being honest with yourself and honest with the team. If you don't believe you can (play a full part in the game), you've got to let them know and get the right things in process, so no, look, I told them I was good to go and if he selected me then, I've been given a great opportunity this weekend."