Heartbreaker has not hurt Welsh morale

Wales coach Warren Gatland insists lack of confidence was not the reason for his team's 17-16 defeat by South Africa on Sunday.

Gatland said his men went into the match believing they were good enough to beat the reigning Rugby World Cup champions.

"We were getting accused of talking ourselves up too much. Which one do you want?" said New Zealander Gatland.

"We came into the game believing that we could absolutely win it. When you look at the stats and see we had more territory and possession, we put ourselves in a position to win the game."

Gatland says his team's morale is still strong despite the narrowest of defeats.

"I was really impressed by the players. There were four or five players who took responsibility for the loss. From an individual point of view, that was really pleasing," he said.

Cutting edge required

And, he added, at World Cup level teams must take every opportunity they create.
"South Africa's scrum and lineouts were very good. However, we created a couple of good

opportunities and you need to take those opportunities at this level," Gatland said.

"You kick your drop goals and convert your penalty opportunities. That's how you win games these days."

Gatland was philosophical about the disallowed James Hook penalty in the 14th minute, which many believe had been successful. "It's just one of those things that happens in sport," he said.

"It was a tough game (to officiate). Not many of his decisions affected the game."

Gatland also admitted he was reluctant to be critical of English referee Wayne Barnes. "I don't want to say anything negative about him because we have him later on in the tournament, against Fiji," he said.

'Have to deal with pressure'

Gatland's focus is now on Wales's next Pool D match, against Samoa at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Sunday.

"They're very physical up front. We're expecting a tough encounter and we must go in confident," he said.

That was echoed by flanker Sam Warburton, the Wales captain, who won the man-of-the-match award in the defeat by South Africa.

He says going in to the match against the Samoans as favourites should not affect the team's mindset.

"If you want to be one of the best teams in the world you have to deal with that pressure," said Warburton.