Hook misses cost us the game, says Gatland

WALES were left kicking themselves after suffering their third narrow defeat of a World Cup campaign that could easily have seen them contesting tomorrow’s final against New Zealand.

For the second week in succession, Wales’ kickers missed crucial shots at goal. Last Saturday, James Hook, Leigh Halfpenny and Stephen Jones failed with four attempts between them as France scraped a 9-8 semi-final success.

And again yesterday, Hook and Halfpenny blew three chances that ultimately cost Wales the tournament’s bronze medal match against Australia at Eden Park.