Heartbreak for Wales at RWC after defeat to 'physical' Pumas
Warren Gatland says Argentina were a 'tough team to put away'.
It was Rugby World Cup heartbreak for Wales crashing out of the tournament after a 29-17 defeat against Argentina in Marseille.
The game was Dan Biggar's last as he announces his international retirement.
Warren Gatland said: "Dan has been a great servant for Welsh rugby.
"He has been through some incredible highs and some lows as well. To see him come into the side and mature and develop as a player, that has been pretty special".
The Wales head coach felt the change in referee knocked Wales off their stride as they lost to the Pumas.
South African official Jaco Peyper hobbled off with a calf injury after Wales had scored their first try in the 15th minute, taking a 7-0 lead in a match they had dominated.
But with Karl Dickson replacing Peyper their ascendency slipped away and Argentina came on strong in the second half with tries from Joel Sclavi and Nicolas Sanchez sweeping them into the last four.
Head coach Gatland was full of praise for the Pumas' performance but also felt events had conspired against Wales.
"It probably didn't help with the referee getting injured. That was a little bit disruptive in terms of the game," said Gatland, who confirmed his commitment to remaining in charge of Wales until the 2027 World Cup.
"We were 10-0 up and were thinking that if we take a few of the opportunities that were presented to us. Unfortunately we gave away a couple of soft penalties.
"It does throw you off. We were comfortable with Jaco Peyper and the relationship we have with him in terms of his control of the game.
"It's nothing against Karl but you do a lot of analysis through what referees tend to be tough on and what they are looking for.
"We hadn't prepared for the change. Sometimes that happens in a game and you just have to deal with it. That is the way Test match rugby goes sometimes."