Wales coach Warren Gatland has described himself as "proud" after seeing his side slip to a 17-16 defeat to South Africa during the World Cup opener earlier today.
The Welsh were leading 16-10 before a late try from Francois Hougaard, which was converted by Morne Steyn, handed the reigning champions a winning start to their campaign.
After the match, Gatland praised the effort shown by his players but also reflected on what could have been.
"I'm very proud of the effort the players put in. We did everything but win the game. It is about taking your opportunities," he told a press conference.
"We put ourselves in with a chance to win but in the end we weren't quite good enough.
"But that's what competing at the highest level is all about."
Wales's next match is a week today against Samoa.
Written by
Liam Apicella
Liam Apicella
