‘We’ll leave Japan with our heads held high’

WARREN GATLAND told his Wales players to hold their heads high despite the devastation of their World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa. After what was his last truly competitive match before stepping down as head coach after 12 years in charge, Gatland said: ‘I’ve been more disappointed in other games in my career where we haven’t given 100 per cent or the team just hasn’t fronted on the day. ‘I can’t ask any more of these players and how hard they tried. ‘I’m very disappointed but incredibly proud of what this group of players has done at this World Cup. We can hold our heads high and leave Japan with a lot of respect.’ Centre Jonathan Davies was distraught after missing out on the chance to play England in the final. ‘Congratulations to South Africa but as a squad we are hurting right now,’ he said. And Hadleigh Parkes said there was a sombre mood in the dressing room. ‘There wasn’t too much chat going on there,’ said the centre. ‘You just realise that you’ve come that close to making it through to the final.’ Gatland, who will now prepare his side to face New Zealand in the play-off for third place, felt his side stood up well to the power of the Boks. He added: ‘We knew it would be an arm wrestle. We stayed in that arm wrestle and got back into it. ‘There was a momentum shift in that last five minutes and it was hard to get going. We were penalised and the game got away from us. ‘My first game in charge was against England and the dream was for it to be my last game, but it’s not to be.’