Hook and his Wales teammates were convinced that with South Africa 7-3 ahead, his 14-minute kick, which sailed high above the posts, was on target but the assistant referees kept their flags down.

The Welsh full-back turned his back on the kick, thinking the points would be awarded and has since told of his certainty that the kick was legitimate, but Barnes opted against consulting the television match official Matt Goddard.

Wales have questioned Barnes’ decision not to call on Goddard, but tournament organisers insist he followed the correct protocol.

An International Rugby Board statement read: “Rugby World Cup Limited has clarified the status of the television match official protocol following the Pool D match between South Africa and Wales.

“Under protocol, the referee may consult the assistant referees or the television match official if he is unsure as to whether a penalty kick, drop-goal or conversion has been successful.

“During the match in question, the match official team felt at the time that there was no need to consult the TMO following a Wales penalty kick, as they were confident that the kick was not successful.”