Rugby World Cup 2019: Wales boss Gatland gives final warning to South Africa

Warren Gatland believes South Africa have a very good chance of beating England in the Rugby World Cup final but warned the Springboks might need a more expansive approach to the one that saw off Wales 19-16.

An immaculate goalkicking performance from Handre Pollard saw the Boks edge a war of attrition in Sunday’s semi-final to book a showdown with England, who stunned reigning champions New Zealand in somewhat contrasting style on Saturday.

Gatland, who will step down after 12 years in charge of Wales after the third-place match against the All Blacks, had no qualms over South Africa’s tactics, where box kicks from Pollard and tenacious scrum-half Faf de Klerk were to the fore.

“They’ve got the physicality to match England, although I thought England were outstanding against the All Blacks. They’ve got a very good chance,” he told a news conference after Damian de Allende and Josh Adams ran in a try apiece for their respective sides.

“They need to be a bit more expansive in terms of the way they want to play. They had a pretty simple game plan against us: using De Allende in terms of from the scrums and a lot of box-kicking from De Klerk and Pollard as well.

“It was very effective and for them it was about doing everything they could to make the final.”

After a huge battle on the pitch, players from Wales and South Africa shake hands at #RWCYokohama #WALvRSA #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/piVYlr1MRt

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 27, 2019

After four consecutive wins against South Africa, Gatland expected another close encounter.

Wales were unable to add the distinction of becoming World Cup finalists in a 2019 where they won the Six Nations Grand Slam and briefly stood as the number one side in the world.

Nevertheless, Gatland rejected the suggestion those exertions had taken a decisive toll.

“With 76 minutes on the clock at 16-16 I thought we had a bit of momentum,” he said. “We were in their half and it was a big turnover from a breakdown where we haven’t kicked the ball.

“From there they’ve managed to get a penalty from a lineout drive. For me, I felt the longer the game went on we would get an opportunity.

“Those games against South Africa that we’ve had in the past five or six years have been very similar. We’ve been in close, tight encounters that could have gone either way and congratulations to South Africa, they’re the ones who came out on top.”

When Gatland bows out against the country of his birth on Friday, the weight of a glorious era comprising three Grand Slams will be heavy.

“I’m hurting, obviously disappointed but we’ve still got an opportunity to make a bit of history,” said veteran captain Alun Wyn Jones.

“There’s no real consolation but we move on and make the most of the next opportunity to put this red jersey on that means so much.”

Gatland added: “We’re very disappointed but I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in this World Cup and what this group of players have done.

“The dream was [to make the final] my last game, but it’s not to be. We need to recover over the next couple of days and enjoy it against the All Blacks.”

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