South African official Jaco Peyper hobbled off with a calf injury after Wales had scored their first try in the 15th minute.
Warren Gatland felt the change in referee knocked Wales off their stride as they crashed out of the World Cup with a 29-17 quarter-final defeat to Argentina in Marseille.
“It probably didn’t help with the referee getting injured. That was a little bit disruptive in terms of the game,” said Gatland, who confirmed his commitment to remaining in charge of Wales until the 2027 World Cup. “It’s nothing against Karl but you do a lot of analysis through what referees tend to be tough on and what they are looking for.
It was explained that because the tackle had been called, Tompkins was falling and Petti entered legally while bent at the waist, there was no offence. Argentina went over from the same period of play to stretch their lead.“It would be interesting to see what happens in terms of the feedback from the panel,” Gatland said.
Dan Biggar’s final match for Wales ended in disappointment with the fly-half eventually departing in the second half having taken a bang to the chest early on, possibly exacerbating a pectoral muscle injury he had been carrying.“Dan has been a great servant for Welsh rugby. He has been through some incredible highs and some lows as well. To see him come into the side and mature and develop as a player, that has been pretty special,” Gatland said.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Warren Gatland provides update on his future as Wales head coachWales crashed out in the quarter-finals.
Read more »
Warren Gatland provides update on his future as Wales head coachWales crashed out in the quarter-finals.
Read more »
Warren Gatland: It would be ‘huge achievement’ if Wales can reach semi-finalsWales were unbeaten in the pool stage at the World Cup.
Read more »
Warren Gatland: It would be ‘huge achievement’ if Wales can reach semi-finalsWales were unbeaten in the pool stage at the World Cup.
Read more »
Prince of Wales to watch Wales play Argentina in Rugby World CupThe patron of the Welsh Rugby Union is set to make a flying visit to France on Saturday.
Read more »