Wales boss Warren Gatland reveals World Rugby have admitted the match officials made several wrong decisions in Rugby World Cup victory over Fiji

Warren Gatland has revealed that World Rugby has admitted to him and his Wales team that several decisions made against them in their thrilling win over Fiji were wrong.

The refereeing at the World Cup in France has been a hot topic in the tournament so far, including during the Pool C opener in Wales.

It was widely agreed that referee Matthew Carley should have shown Gatland’s side more than one yellow card in a dramatic final with Fiji in Bordeaux as they came under intense late pressure.

The consistency of decision-making around head contact incidents has also been questioned after England’s Tom Curry was banned for two matches. Meanwhile, South African center Jesse Kriel escaped any sanction for an incident similar to Curry’s in his side’s victory over Scotland.

“A lot has been said about how unhappy Fiji was, but we have seen some clips ourselves that show things were missed in the game too,” Gatland said. ‘We submitted many clips ourselves. We have received clarity about this. The referees then got back to us and agreed with many things we had submitted.’

Ref Matthew Carley should have given Wales more than one yellow card in a frantic final

Gatland declined to go into detail when asked which incidents World Rugby said were wrong. One of these may well have been a high tackle on Selestino Ravutaumada’s Gareth Davies at the end of the first half, which forced the Wales scrum-half briefly off the field due to a head injury.

It is almost certain that referee decision-making in France will remain a hot topic for the rest of this World Cup, with more red cards and bans likely.

It is also clear that there is frustration among coaches and players over the inconsistency of the referees, as well as fans who have shared their opinions on social media.

World Rugby believes that the use of still images, both online and by television broadcasters, is not helping matters.

But Wales and Gatland moved from the controversial ending to the Fiji match knowing the end result was a bonus-point win.

Wales made 13 changes to the starting XI for Portugal in Nice on Saturday, with only Louis Rees-Zammit and No.8 Taulupe Faletau retaining their places.

Gatland’s team should – barring a huge setback – gain five points against Portugal. Such a scenario would give them a perfect two-match record.

“It’s one game at a time,” Gatland said. ‘In the past we have always had confidence in World Cups. We think we have done well in the previous World Cups and would like to reach a World Cup final. I indicated in advance that we should not write ourselves off and that this team is capable of something special. I still believe that.

‘The first priority is to be a very difficult team to beat and if we do that and don’t get too many injuries then there is no reason why we can’t go far in this tournament. That’s the plan for us.’

Gatland’s detailed review of the victory over Fiji focused on the final ten minutes as Wales conceded two tries and went from 32-14 in front, almost snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Wales and Warren Gatland have moved from the controversial ending to the Fiji game

Louis Rees-Zammit is one of only two players to retain their place after the victory in Bordeaux

‘As a group of players it is a learning experience. You can’t coach experience,” Gatland said as the countdown to Portugal intensified.

‘Sometimes you have to experience that and learn as players. During my previous reign with Wales it took us a number of years. In 2018 and 2019 our game management was excellent.

‘Even when we were behind, we didn’t panic and believed we would win. That process can take some time and that wasn’t the worst thing to experience last Sunday.’

After what is expected to be an easy victory over Portugal, Wales face Eddie Jones’ Australia in Lyon in a match that could well decide who tops Pool C.