Warren Gatland proud of Wales as he prepares for 'monumental' farewell against New Zealand
A proud Warren Gatland challenged Wales to end his time in charge with victory over his native New Zealand after South Africa knocked his men out of the Rugby World Cup in Sunday's semi-final.
Wales went down by three points to the Springboks, who will now face England in Saturday’s final. Wales have to settle for a shot at the bronze medal match against the All Blacks on Friday night.
"It was a tough physical match,” said Gatland. “Congratulations to South Africa, great for them to be in the final, they deserved to win. I take my hat off to them, they were very good up front, defended exceptionally well.
"But I'm really proud of our guys, we never gave up and we got ourselves back into the game. It was a real arm wrestle - a really tough encounter - but I just want to say well done to South Africa - good luck in the final.
"I'm absolutely proud of them, we punch massively above our weight in terms of the playing numbers they have in Wales so I'm really proud of these guys, they've given us 100 per cent, they continue to do so and we got ourselves back in the game tonight as they do in those really close contests.”
Gatland said it would be “monumental” to face his home nation.
"It will be hugely monumental, it's the team I haven't beaten with Wales so it will be nice to be able to achieve that. Then looking ahead, back for 12 months with the Chiefs then I’m with the Lions and hopefully get some revenge for tonight.”
Gatland said South Africa might want to expand their game for the final, and questioned whether England had treated the semi-final like a final. “We have seen teams play their final in the semi-final and don’t turn up for the final. We will see what England do,” he said.
In response, South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus said: “I think he’s right, there are definitely some areas of our game that we need to improve. But we’ve given ourselves a chance, we’ve played four games with England in the last 18 months and it’s 2-2.
“I’m not 100 per cent sure that the World Cup final will be won by a very expansive style and wonderful tries – it might be, I might be wrong – but I think we’ll go and try and grind it out.”
