Gatland hails Bok character
Wales lost to Australia on Saturday to set up a World Cup quarterfinal with South Africa who topped Pool B after opening their campaign with a shock loss to Japan.
Saturday's result meant Australia had now won 11 successive Tests against Wales.
Wales have won just two out of 29 combined Tests against southern hemisphere powers South Africa, New Zealand and Australia since Gatland became coach in 2008.
That record against the 'big three' has cast doubt on Wales' ability to lift the World Cup, even though they have won three Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, under Gatland.
But Wales beat South Africa 12-6 in Cardiff last year to end a run of 16 straight defeats by the Springboks.
South Africa, world champions in 1995 and 2007, started this World Cup with a shock 34-32 loss to Japan – the greatest upset in World Cup history.
But they have since beaten Samoa (46-6) and Scotland (34-16) before thrashing the United States 64-0 in midweek to top Pool B.
"It shows what character they have," said Gatland.
"The disappointment (against Japan), and they haven't had a great 12 months as a side, but when it's mattered and people have criticised them it shows the character they have got," the New Zealander added.
Wales' match against Australia was a try-less encounter, with Wallaby flyhalf Bernard Foley kicking five penalties to two from Welsh No.10 Dan Biggar.
But Wales failure to cross Australia's line even when the Wallabies were down to 13 men in the second half – following the sin-binning of scrumhalf Will Genia and lock Dean Mumm – will not have escaped the Springboks.
"It was courageous defence by Australia," Gatland said. "We got over the line three times but were held up. It was fine margins."
Wales' World Cup campaign has been blighted by injuries and Gatland said centre Jamie Roberts (head) and wing Liam Williams (foot) were concerns ahead of their return to Twickenham next Saturday.
AFP
