Jannie du Plessis: "Difference was one play"

South Africa prop Jannie du Plessis has said that his side's Rugby World Cup quarter-final with Wales came down to just one play.

The lead changed hands seven times during a gripping encounter at Twickenham this evening, but ultimately Fourie du Preez's try five minutes from time, which came as a result of a Duane Vermeulen flick, proved to be the difference in a 23-19 triumph.

Wales had defended admirably under heavy pressure until that point, but Du Plessis was always confident that they could breach a defence that had only conceded two tries all tournament before that.

"I always felt that we would have a chance if we did well what we do well," he told Sports Mole.

"It's not that I never thought that Wales could win, but I always knew that if we played well we would be in with a chance. When it came off at the end, that's all the hard work for 80 minutes adds up, you do one play well and then you win.

"That's how close international sport is, but especially this World Cup. All the teams have trained really hard and prepared really well. The difference was one play."

South Africa will face defending champions New Zealand in their semi-final at Twickenham next Saturday.