WING Alex Cuthbert doesn’t deserve to be made a scapegoat for Wales’ World Cup exit, according to teammate Jamie Roberts.

Cuthbert, who has struggled for form and confidence throughout the tournament, was blamed by some fans and pundits for allowing South Africa’s Fourie du Preez to dive over in the corner for the winning try on Saturday.

Wales had been clinging on at 19-18 up with five minutes to go but the late try, created by a moment of brilliance from Duane Vermuelen, sent them crashing out at the quarter-final stage at Twickenham.

After the final whistle he cut a disconsolate figure, alone in his thoughts as the rest of the team did a lap of the stadium to thank their fans.

But Roberts launched a staunch defence of the out-of-sorts Blues star, insisting he was one of Wales’ star men against the Springboks.

“I thought Alex was outstanding,” he said. “It’s no secret that he’s come in for a bit of stick from the Press but it’s a measure of the man that he’s stood up to that.

“He gave his best performance on the biggest stage today and I’m proud of him.

“His work rate and his energy was inspirational and he was one of our best players on the park.

“I’m gutted for him as I’m gutted for all the players. It’s tough.

“I’m desperately proud of the boys. We’ve put a lot of work in to get where we are and now unfortunately it’s over and that shows how brutal knock out sport can be.”

Newport-born Roberts will take some time away from the game in the coming weeks as he starts his studies for a MPhil in Medical Science at Cambridge University and contemplate the final phase of his professional career.

“I’m taking six or seven weeks away from pro rugby now,” said the 28-year-old. “I’m going up to Cambridge and I’ll play for Cambridge.

“If I’m going to attack the last third of my career like I have done the first two thirds now’s the time to step away from it for a bit and go again come mid-December with Harlequins.”