I’m really proud of the boys – Warby
SAM Warburton says the Wales players can be proud of themselves with the way they performed against South Africa after the abuse they took following the Six Nations.
Wayne Pivac’s men came tantalisingly close to a first ever victory over the Springboks on South African soil before going down to a heartbreaking 32-29 defeat with the last kick of the game.
Speaking on Sky Sports, former Lions skipper Warburton said: “I am actually really pleased even though Wales lost because of where they have come from with some of the abuse the players have taken since the Six Nations. They can be so proud of themselves for that effort today.
“To handle the last ten minutes the way they did with 13 men – and just 12 men at one point – I am actually really proud as a Welshman with the way that they played and the way they dealt with themselves. So even though it’s a loss, it feels almost like a moral victory and it’s a great platform for them.
“Some of those youngsters proved they can compete out there, so it sets up the second Test really nicely.”
Wales and Lions centre Jonathan Davies, also on Sky, added: “Over the 80 minutes, the boys put in a huge shift and you can take great confidence from that but essentially it’s a resultsbased game and they will be gutted that they didn’t quite get over the line. But it’s important now that they dust themselves off and come back for next week.
“South Africa will fear Wales now because they will realise what they can do and their potential. So disappointed at the end obviously, but a lot to take away from it.”