Sam Warburton: 'Rugby World Cup exit feels premature'

Wales captain Sam Warburton has insisted that it was not "one game too far" for his side against South Africa in this afternoon's Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

Warren Gatland's side have been ravaged by injuries to key players both before and throughout the tournament, yet still managed to reach the knockout stages from the 'Pool of Death'.

In addition to their injuries, Wales faced testing matches against England, Fiji and Australia in succession before meeting the Springboks, who clinched a dramatic 23-18 victory with a Fourie du Preez try five minutes from time.

However, Warburton refused to make excuses for his side's exit and rejected suggestions that they may have run out of steam in the closing stages at Twickenham.

"No I wouldn't say that. Most games are won on individual moments sometimes. It wasn't one game too far," he told Sports Mole.

"I feel going out of the competition now is very premature. We've put so much work in over the summer. My body would feel ready to go for another two weeks if I had to so I don't think it's that.

"We would never blame the injuries or playing so many games in a row - it's the same for everyone. I felt physically we were in a good place, we just got caught out at the end."

Meanwhile, head coach Gatland conceded that penalties cost his side dearly in the defeat.