Each player let himself down. It was a below-par performance from us and is not acceptable with the standards we set ourselves. I don’t want to take anything away from Japan’s victory, but we have to take ownership of this performance and make ourselves accountable, we (the) players were on the field. The coaching staff can’t do anything on the field, so we are responsible." 

- South Africa captain Jean de Villiers, speaking after the team's 34-32 humbling at the hands of Japan on Saturday.

Japan celebrate victory after the match at Brighton Community Stadium September 19 2015. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

The tier one nations all got a wake-up call after Japan beat South Africa. Our surprise factor is gone and they are going to come with all guns blazing.” 

- Samoa coach Stephen Betham

Wales's Jake Ball and Prince William during the welcome ceremony on 21 September 2015. Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs, Livepic

"At the start of every test week we have bumps and bruises. JJ (England centre Jonathan Joseph) has a bit of a knock. It's nothing too serious and we are working hard to get him fit and in an England shirt this weekend."

- Hosts' backs coach Andy Farrell, speaking to reporters on Tuesday

England's Jonathan Joseph during training, Action Images via Reuters/Henry Browne 

Eddie believes his team will come out on top, but we have our own beliefs. We will be concentrating on playing from the first minute. We haven't talked about Eddie in the squad. We've discussed their players and tactics but not about Eddie at all."

- Scotland assistant coach Matt Taylor, speaking to reporters on Tuesday about Japan coach Eddie Jones's confidence that his side can beat Scotland

Japan and Scotland fans pose for a photograph before the two teams meet in their Pool B game. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

Springbok bus outside their Birmingham hotel. Hooker Bismarck du Plessis said the six hour trip from Eastbourne to Birmingham on Sunday, after the Japan defeat, had been the quietest six hours of the players' careers.