MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) – Wales head coach Warren Gatland attributed their 29-17 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals to soft penalties and a failure to capitalize on their lead. Gatland, who will remain in his role, expressed his disappointment with the missed opportunity. In the opening quarter, Wales took a 10-0 lead and appeared to have control of the game. However, they allowed Argentina to score two late penalties in the first half, shifting the momentum to the South American side.
Argentina carried their momentum into the second half, scoring two late tries that denied Wales a spot in the World Cup semi-finals under Gatland’s leadership. Acknowledging the strength of the Argentine team, Gatland admitted that the match could have gone either way and that Wales had missed some chances to perform at their best.
Gatland also highlighted the impact of referee Jaco Peyper’s early departure from the field due to injury after just 16 minutes, which disrupted the team’s rhythm. Peyper was replaced by Karl Dickson, and although Gatland clarified that it was not a personal critique against Dickson, he emphasized the challenge of adjusting to a referee change for which they were unprepared.
At the 64th minute, with Wales leading 17-12, an incident occurred when Argentine Guido Petti collided with Welsh centre Nick Tompkins near the try line. Despite head contact, Dickson deemed the incident legal, a decision that Gatland questioned and expressed his curiosity about the panel’s feedback on the matter.
Gatland confirmed his desire to continue as Wales head coach and already has his sights set on the 2024 Six Nations. However, he emphasized that the final decision rests with Welsh Rugby as to whether they wish to make a change.
Lastly, the match marked the final appearance for flyhalf Dan Biggar in a Welsh jersey, as he had previously announced his retirement after the World Cup. Gatland praised Biggar’s contributions to Welsh rugby, commending his resilience in overcoming highs and lows throughout his career.
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Toby Davis)
