GAT: I THOUGHT IT WAS ALL OVER
A world-class performer who looked distinctly ordinary on this occasion. Can’t remember ever thinking that before GEORGE NORTH
Huge defensive play on Fickou offset by butchering clear overlap with an intercepted pass
OWEN WATKIN
Worked hard in defence to limit France’s clear try-scoring opportunities after standing in for injured Jonathan Davies HADLEIGH PARKES
Played with a broken hand and will have better games in the red jersey, but given the result he won’t mind too much
JOSH ADAMS
Monster hit on France No.8 Alldritt a rare moment of Welsh dominance before France imploded
DAN BIGGAR
Stayed in the fight throughout, chivvying and probing. The competitor in him will hate the performance but take the result GARETH DAVIES
Unable to exert usual authority on game as replacement Tomos Williams made a real mark off bench in last half hour
WYN JONES
Anonymous display. Coach Warren Gatland needs more from the Wales loose-head in the semi-final
KEN OWENS
‘The Sheriff’ led the tackle count with 19 in a terrifically energetic display around the field
TOMAS FRANCIS
Tireless defensive shift from the Exeter tight-head, although Wales could do with more from him as a ball carrier
JAKE BALL
Key hit on Guilhem Guirado set up Wainwright’s try and an effective route-one runner
ALUN WYN JONES
Cool leadership under pressure as the clock ticked down with Wales facing the exit
AARON WAINWRIGHT
Man of the match and outstanding throughout, scoring a try and taking the match-turning elbow on his chops
JOSH NAVIDI
Left field early on with a hamstring injury to be replaced by try-scoring hero Moriarty
JUSTIN TIPURIC
Assist for winning try, catching loose ball and taking it on for Moriarty to dot down WARREN GATLAND saluted his never-say-die heroes after fearing his Wales career was over.
Gatland (above, with Guilhem Guirado), who quits his role after the tournament, was six minutes from seeing his side knocked out against 14-man France.
But the Wales coach watched with relief as a Ross Moriarty (below) try stole a win and set up a last-four clash with South Africa.
Gatland said: “I went through lots of different emotions. What will I say to the press, what will I say on the TV? You’re thinking of those potential scenarios.
“But I’m very proud of our players because they never give up even when they’re under pressure.
“They keep fighting and finding a way to get a result. We are excited about where we are – the World Cup semi-final. Alun Wyn Jones said it’s 240 minutes to do something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. We’re down to 160 now. If you can’t get excited about that then nothing will excite you.”
Wales were outplayed for more than an hour with France helping themselves to three tries.
But they imploded on 49 minutes with lock Sebastien Vahaamahina given his marching orders for planting an elbow to the face of Aaron Wainwright.
Gatland said: “We did not play our best, but we showed great character.” Tokyo JAMIE JOSEPH’S Japan bowed out of their home World Cup with heads held high.
The Brave Blossoms were just 5-3 down at half-time but South Africa proved too strong after the break.
Japan beat Ireland and Scotland to earn a place in the last eight and although there was no repeat of the 34-32 win over South Africa in 2015, they have rocked in this tournament.
Head coach Joseph said: “Japanese rugby is in a good place now. I’m going to really celebrate the achievements of this team. There’s been a lot of work and it’s been relentless. “I’m just the coach and my job is to get the boys ready and playing rugby like they have been playing. If we can put the right system in place then it can keep growing.
“It’s not one person responsible for developing this rugby team. But I’d say the mentality’s changed and there’s a whole new level of confidence and belief in what we’re doing. I believe as a coach the biggest thing you can give players is belief. Then they go out and play.”
There is talk of Japan being added to the Rugby Championship to play New Zealand, Argentina, Australia and South Africa. On the evidence of the last few weeks they would not be out of place.
When Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi scored in the fourth minute it seemed Japan could be in for a drubbing, but they never folded.
Yu Tamura’s penalty kept them in touch and they refused to give up on attacking rugby.
But South Africa turned on the afterburners in the second half with a second try from Mapimpi and one from Sale scrum-half Faf de Klerk.
Boss Rassie Erasmus said: “We were very nervous at half-time.”