Wales frustrated by Carter tackle
Both Gatland (left) and Edwards were unhappy during the post-match press conference
Sunday, 08, Nov 2009 01:01
By Chris Cousens.
Referee Craig Joubert was the focus of Welsh frustration after they were edged out by New Zealand in a high-octane clash at the Millennium Stadium.
Wales came within a whisker of clawing back the All Blacks lead in the second half but eventually went down 19-12, a result which extends their winless run against New Zealand to 57 years and 22 matches.
But a borderline high tackle by Dan Carter on replacement opposition scrum-half Martyn Roberts as he drove for the line went unpunished by the official and has incensed the Welsh camp.
"We should have been playing against 14 players for the last ten minutes as far as I'm concerned," Wales assistant coach Sean Edwards seethed at the post-match press conference.
When asked if he agreed with Edwards' summation, head coach Warren Gatland added: "Yes I do. It was a swinging arm and it should have been [a penalty].
"I'm sure the All Blacks will disagree but that's what I saw."
But All Black coach Graham Henry played down Gatland's grumbles, saying: "That's complete rubbish. It's a huge stretch for Warren to believe that. He says a lot of things.
"It seemed to me he hit the guy in the chest and stood up and the guy (Martyn Roberts) just ducked under that.
"Until you look at these things from several views you can't make a decision."
Henry had his own complaints to make about the officials, claiming at least one of his side's three non-tries should have been awarded by television match official (TMO) Graham Hughes.
He said: "I thought we could have won by more. I have to wonder about the TMO.
"I think Conrad [Smith] scored and that would have given us a bit of breathing space at that time so that was disappointing."
But Welsh captain Ryan Jones was more philosophical about his side's failings.
"The All Blacks capitalised on mistakes we made," he explained.
"You can't afford to give teams like the All Blacks, with players like Dan Carter, an easy ride.
"The best teams in the world take points when they're on offer and we still have some way to go."
But Henry, who is widely regarded as laying the foundations for the recent successes in Welsh rugby during his time as head coach earlier this decade, acknowledged the gap is narrowing.
He said: "It's great to see how Welsh rugby has developed over the last ten or 15 years. It was pleasing to be part of it a little while ago and it's pleasing to see them playing so well."
The press conference took place in the newly refurbished Ray Gravell room which was officially opened in the Millennium Stadium prior to kick-off to pay tribute to the life of the popular international rugby star and broadcaster.
WRU president Dennis Gethin said: "We are proud to be able to honour a man who gave so much to Wales and its people during his lifetime."