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Cape Town - Wales coach Warren Gatland says he doesn't have an issue with the decision to award the Springboks a penalty try late in their Test in Nelspruit at the weekend.
As it happened: Boks v Wales
VIDEO: Boks' winning penalty try
The Springboks beat Wales 31-30 at Mbombela Stadium after a late penalty try was awarded to the hosts when Welsh fullback Liam William performed an illegal tackle on Bok wing Cornal Hendricks.
With two minutes remaining, Hendricks escaped the clutches of George North down the touchline. Williams was the last Welsh defender to come across and make a try-saving tackle, but he made no effort to wrap his arms around Hendricks and instead shoulder-charged him out.
The referee, Steve Walsh, referred the incident to the TMO, Glenn Newman, and after seeing replays from several angles, Walsh awarded a penalty try to South Africa.
He explained to Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones that because Williams had performed an illegal tackle on Hendricks, it eliminated him from the equation as if he wasn't there.
The decision caused confusion among pundits and fans, with many expressing diverse views of it on social media afterwards.
However, in an interview with the BBC Sport website, Gatland said he had no problem with Walsh's decision.
"We've made an error defensively, which is disappointing," said Gatland.
"Hendricks has got outside George and unfortunately Liam's come in and led with his shoulder.
"I don't have an issue with the decision."
Gatland said Williams was devastated about his mistake and apologised to his team-mates.
The 2-0 series loss means Wales are still without a win over the Springboks in South Africa and they have now slipped to a 1-27 win/loss ratio, with 1 draw.
As it happened: Boks v Wales
VIDEO: Boks' winning penalty try
The Springboks beat Wales 31-30 at Mbombela Stadium after a late penalty try was awarded to the hosts when Welsh fullback Liam William performed an illegal tackle on Bok wing Cornal Hendricks.
With two minutes remaining, Hendricks escaped the clutches of George North down the touchline. Williams was the last Welsh defender to come across and make a try-saving tackle, but he made no effort to wrap his arms around Hendricks and instead shoulder-charged him out.
The referee, Steve Walsh, referred the incident to the TMO, Glenn Newman, and after seeing replays from several angles, Walsh awarded a penalty try to South Africa.
He explained to Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones that because Williams had performed an illegal tackle on Hendricks, it eliminated him from the equation as if he wasn't there.
The decision caused confusion among pundits and fans, with many expressing diverse views of it on social media afterwards.
However, in an interview with the BBC Sport website, Gatland said he had no problem with Walsh's decision.
"We've made an error defensively, which is disappointing," said Gatland.
"Hendricks has got outside George and unfortunately Liam's come in and led with his shoulder.
"I don't have an issue with the decision."
Gatland said Williams was devastated about his mistake and apologised to his team-mates.
The 2-0 series loss means Wales are still without a win over the Springboks in South Africa and they have now slipped to a 1-27 win/loss ratio, with 1 draw.
