We have to bounce back: Tipuric

Wales openside flanker Justin Tipuric has urged his team to “finish on a high” when they take on New Zealand in the Bronze Final on Friday.

The Six Nations champions’ Rugby World Cup hopes were ended by a 19-16 semi-final defeat against South Africa in Yokohama over the weekend.

It meant they missed out on a chance to confirm the first all-northern hemisphere final, with England crushing the All Blacks a day earlier.

Wales have not beaten New Zealand since 1953, losing 30 successive Tests against them.

But the incentive is a third placed World Cup finish if they win, which would equal their best performance on a global stage for 32 years.

Friday’s clash in Tokyo is also Wales head coach Warren Gatland’s final game in charge following a 12-year reign highlighted by four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-final appearances.

“As a whole group it would be nice to finish on a high, especially against the All Blacks,” Wales flanker Tipuric said.

“We could have created history this weekend (by reaching a first World Cup final), but we can finish on a high by beating the All Blacks.

“It’s not going to be easy, but we have to bounce back up and crack on.

“To get another chance to play in that Welsh jersey and play against the All Blacks – one of the best teams in the world – and to have a chance of finishing third in the world isn’t a bad thing at the end of the day.”

Wales were undone by a Handre Pollardinspired South Africa after he kicked 14 points, including a match-winning penalty four minutes from time.

It meant the Springboks ended a run of four defeats against Wales, reaching a third world final in the process.

“It’s tough to take, especially losing the way we did,” Tipuric added.