RWC 2015: Wales should be very proud but Springboks will go on to win the World Cup, says Neil Back

I fully believe South Africa can become the first side in Rugby World Cup history to lose a game but still go on to win the competition

Dan Lydiate, of Wales, tackles South Africa’s Adriaan Strauss (Reuters)

Lydiate was an inspirational figure

Every single Welshman can be proud of their team’s performance on Saturday. That they were even in a position to win was simply incredible, but ultimately the possession and territory South Africa enjoyed killed them.

At one point in the second half Wales had made twice as many tackles as South Africa and that ended up being crucial, as the Welsh were having to work so much harder to stay in the game.

Dan Lydiate in particular was outstanding: he completely justified his selection and tackled himself to a standstill. They left everything out there yesterday; unlike other nations there can be no recriminations because it was an outstanding effort.

Wales can leave this tournament with their heads held high. Think of the injuries they suffered, and think of the effect that may have had on less able teams. They remained competitive to the end and did their country proud. It would have been incredible if they had gone through but it just wasn’t to be.

Team beaten by Japan can make history

As for South Africa, I fully believe they can become the first side in Rugby World Cup history to lose a game but still go on to win the competition.

What a story it would be if they did, particularly as the team they lost to – Japan – will be hosting the tournament in four years time.

It was fitting that they won yesterday thanks to a beautiful piece of individual skill. For Duane Vermeulen to hold his ground and execute that offload under such pressure was very special indeed.

Some would have wanted them to win with a little more style or finesse, but at this stage all that matters is finishing a solitary point ahead of the opposition, although I felt their kicking game left a fair bit to be desired at Twickenham. Also, Wales’ organisation in defence prevented South Africa from attacking in they would have wanted.

You could see at the end what it meant, too. Heyneke Meyer was elated, as he should be. That win meant so much.

Now he will have to get his team to refocus and work out a game-plan to see them through to the final next weekend.

I firmly believe they can do it.

Injury blows should not hurt Ireland

Looking at Ireland v Argentina today, the injury to Paul O’Connell, a legend of the game, is a big blow to the Irish in terms of his leadership and his muscle memory of battles down the years. But his replacement, Iain Henderson, has been one of the players of the tournament, so I believe the change will be almost seamless, which is massive praise for Iain.

A week ago I also would have been worried about Ian Madigan coming in for Johnny Sexton, but his performance against France last week was outstanding. If he maintains that accuracy then he will fill those sizeable shoes.

But what about the suspended Sean O’Brien? He is a traditional Irish No 7. Ireland have good back-row cover in Jordi Murphy and Chris Henry. But they will miss O’Brien for the way he would have disrupted Argentina’s fluidity.

Skilful Argentinians are real handful

After the 2007 World Cup, when Marcelo Loffreda led Argentina to third place, I stayed on Leicester’s coaching staff another year because Loffreda was joining us as head coach and it was a great opportunity to pick his brains There was a language barrier that frustrated him, and his club background was coaching an amateur side, with nothing like the demands of a long Premiership season. Eight years on, Argentina are still a real handful, but in very different ways. They are not the pre-planned, heavily structured side of old. Their players are skilful, inventive and hard-running. If options are on, they’ll go for it. But Ireland were the northern hemisphere’s top-ranked team coming into the World Cup, having lost just three matches out of their last 20, two of which were friendlies. They’ve got the winning habit and I’m backing them to go through.

Aussies aren’t ready to go home

Frankly, Scotland have exceeded my expectations. Huge praise to Vern Cotter, who has hardened their edges, instilled confidence in the set-piece and in their organisation, and added very competitive tactical nous. And in line with tradition, they still enjoy attacking from deep. The Wallabies’ attack against England was amazing and their defence against Wales was just as impressive. That 13-man goal-line stand last week was an attitude of mind that, as a player, defence leader and coach, I admired massively. Australia do not look like a team ready to exit the World Cup.

Neil Back was a member of England’s World Cup-winning squad in 2003 and earned 66 caps for his country. He also won five British and Irish Lions caps