Gatland: 'Score flatters Boks'
Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:47
World Cup holders South Africa may have wrapped up their Test series against Six Nations champions Wales 2-0 with their 37-21 victory in Pretoria on Saturday, but Welsh coach Warren Gatland insists the margin is not a true reflection of the two teams' abilities.
The Boks led 17-15 at the break, but unlike in the first Test in Bloemfontein, the Boks were made to work extremely hard for this result and were still trailing 20-21 going into the final quarter.
But two late tries and a penalty sealed the win for the Springboks.
"The final score flattered the Boks," Gatland said in his post-match reaction.
"I'm proud of how the guys came out and lifted their game.
"I thought it was a really positive result for us, and we're looking forward to the end-of-year tour when we face the Boks again."
Victorious Bok coach Peter de Villiers said he expected nothing less than a fired-up Wales side here.
"This is what Test rugby is all about," said De Villiers.
"The Welsh confidence grew as the game went on and our defence battled at times out there. We simply didn't commit enough players at the breakdowns and that cost us at times."
