NEWPORT Gwent Dragons star Taulupe Faletau says the pain of Wales’ World Cup exit is worse than four years ago.

Faletau was a key part of Warren Gatland’s team that came so close to making the final against hosts New Zealand in 2011.

But the number eight insists Saturday’s heartbreaking 23-19 quarter-final defeat to South Africa at Twickenham hurts even more.

“The immediate feeling is that we’re gutted,” said Faletau. “We’re disappointed that it’s come to an end.

“Everything was going to plan but it wasn’t meant to be today and we’re just devastated that we’re going home.

“This one is going to hit me harder than anything I’ve experienced so far – just because of the work the boys have put in, the effort through the summer.

“We made it out of the group and to go out in the quarter-finals was always going to hurt and it’s going to take a while to get over it.

“Walking around the stadium at the end if feels like it’s going to hurt more than four years ago.

“I feel like it’s a missed opportunity,” he added.

“We were capable of doing better things than going out in the quarter-finals.

“Even with the injuries we still expected a lot as a group and going out is not what anybody wanted.”

Dan Biggar kicked 14 points and created a superb try for Gareth Davies and Wales led 19-18 with five minutes to go.

But the Springboks were continuously knocking on the door and the extraordinary Welsh defence was finally breached.

A moment of magic from Duane Vermeulen sent scrum-half Fourie du Preez over in the corner to seal a semi-final spot for the two-time champions against holders New Zealand.

After a bruising campaign Faletau, who has been strongly linked with a move to the Aviva Premiership with Bath, is hoping for a rest before returning to action with the Dragons – or anyone else.

“I think a couple of days off will do everyone good and hopefully the clubs will allow that,” added the 24-year-old.

“We can’t not be proud of our efforts. We made it out of the group despite the injuries and everything else.

“I can’t say that we’re happy to have made it this far. We’re definitely disappointed but we are pleased with what we’ve done.”