Were Springboks robbed at the death by controversial French try? 'We felt there was a double movement'

In Marseille

Springbok flyhalf Damian Willemse was adamant that Sipili Falatea's 74th minute try in Saturday's 30-26 loss to France was an act of double movement.

The replacement prop wormed his way over the line at that crucial stage of the game while referee Wayne Barnes was playing an advantage.

However, Barnes couldn't make contact with his Television Match Official Brian MacNeice and the replay of the try wasn't made available on the stadium's screens.

Eventually, the referee had no choice but to award the try to continue with the game.

MATCH REPORT | Brave Boks fall agonisingly short as French state World Cup credentials

Willemse said he wasn't aware of the technological struggles the English referee was having but said Falatea propelled over the line after his first movement from a pick and drive saw him being stopped short off the line.

"On the field, we felt that it was a double movement, but the referee didn't think so," Willemse said.

"I don't know what happened, but what we saw was that he went for the try and then he propelled himself after that."

Willemse, along with all of his teammates, played their first Test in the South of France with the venue having significant World Cup meaning for the Boks.

The Boks will be based in Toulon next year for the better part of the tournament and will play two group games in Marseille.

Willemse said playing in the packed stadium was a wonderful experience for him.

"It was a great experience, and it was a great stadium to play in. It was great to play in front of the French crowd," Willemse said.

"The pitch was in perfect condition and we loved it."

READ | Two-faced Marseille gives way to world-class area as city feels Bok gees

Willemse said the defeat, the fifth one this season, hurt