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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Katie Sands

The sporting gesture of the Wales rugby team at the final whistle that speaks volumes

The final whistle goes, and Wales players, staff and fans in Japan and around the world can breathe a huge sigh of relief after an unbearably tense 80 minutes.

Wales managed to pull it out of the bag to beat France by a single point after a second-half surge, ensuring they made it through to the semi-finals next weekend.

While Wales' players, of course, celebrated the tightly-contested win in Oita, knowing their Rugby World Cup dreams are well and truly alive, it's how they conducted themselves on the pitch that speaks volumes about their character, and the values of rugby, too.

Seconds after securing the next stage of the World Cup dream, Wales' players were seen consoling France's players who had pushed Wales right to the edge today, but had their World Cup journey stopped in its tracks.

Elliot Dee of Wales consoles Louis Picamoles (Getty Images)
Players react after the final whistle (AP)
Josh Adams of Wales consoles Emerick Setiano (Getty Images)

Josh Adams could be seen kneeling down on the pitch to console Emerick Setiano, Elliot Dee comforted Louis Picamoles as he had his head in his hands, while Maxime Medard and Liam Williams were pictured in an embrace as they appeared to swap shirts.

And, leading from the front, Warren Gatland also made sure he took the time to speak to some of the French side, sharing a few words with Guilhem Guirado.

Warren Gatland speaks to France's Guilhem Guirado (PA)

Wales' players are known for their gracious and good-natured conduct, and this gesture confirms it all the more.

Yoann Huget of France and George North of Wales at full-time (Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency)
Maxime Medard of France embraces Liam Williams (Getty Images)
Maxime Medard of France walks off with his daughter (Getty Images)

Wales will now face South Africa in Yokohama on Sunday, October 27, at 9am.

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