Gatland praises 'world class' Williams

The Grand Slam champions slumped to a series defeat at Loftus Versfeld but produced a vast improvement on last weekend's hiding. And taking top billing was Williams' stunning 32nd-minute try that saw him evade five Springbok defenders in a run that started on the 10 metre line.

"Shane is just absolute world class. He keeps getting better and better," Gatland said.

"Over the last six month he's been one of the form players in world rugby and he's proved that during the last two weeks," he added.

"He's very accurate and strong. Even the South African fans get excited when he has the ball in his hands. I'm really pleased by the way he's matured into a fantastic player."

Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards added: "Thanks God Shane plays for us and not the opposition."

The match was wide open heading into the final quarter with Wales, who earlier crossed through Gareth Cooper, leading 21-20 after weathering an early Springbok assault.

A forward surge swept them to South Africa's whitewash but referee Lyndon Bray blew for a knock-on against lock Alun-Wyn Jones - a decision that left Gatland furious.

The Kiwi said: "I'm a little bit aggrieved with a few refereeing decisions. We were pretty unlucky, especially under the posts when we were in front. When the referee says it's a knock and you can clearly see a hand in there, it's frustrating.

"The better team won but there was a chance for us to put them under pressure and win. I'm very happy with the way we lifted ourselves after last week. We performed with credit."