The international refereeing chief said last night that the television match official had made an “absolutely brilliant decision” in disallowing England wing Mark Cueto’s second-half “try” in the World Cup final.

Stuart Dickinson, the Australian television match official, consulted replays for about three minutes before ruling that the touchdown by Cueto at the start of the second half should not stand because he had put a foot in touch. South Africa were leading 9-3 at the time.

Paddy O’Brien, the referees manager for the International Rugby Board, said: “It was an absolutely brilliant decision by the television match official, and there is a great photo of his [Cueto’s] foot just on the line prior to grounding the ball. There is no issue, there is no doubt. People may criticise officials for taking time, but it is better that it is correct.”

England refused to make a huge issue of the decision but Cueto was in no doubt that he had scored. “You generally have a good feeling straight away when you think you have scored a try. I thought it was a legitimate try, and I went straight back to the restart. As long as I live I will tell people it was a try.”

Asked whether it could have changed the outcome of the game, Cueto said: “Neither team looked like scoring so it could have been the game. It is very disappointing but the decision has been made and you have to crack on.” Captain Phil Vickery took a positive view of England’s World Cup revival, saying: “I can’t fault anyone. We’ve had a magical time here. Fair play to South Africa, they were the better team and this is their victory.” Vickery refused to criticise Dickinson, although he did acknowledge that England had failed to get the rub of the green. “In the end, at crucial times there were crucial decisions – not just from players, but officials – and the game swung. But we didn’t have enough in fairness, and huge credit to South Africa for the way they stuck to their guns.”

Coach Brian Ashton, praised his squad for their efforts. “I am incredibly proud of the players and I think they have done an incredible job to get to a World Cup final.”

Asked what his immediate plans were, Ashton said that he intended to have a drink with the players, and get a smile back on their faces. Other than that he did not know what was in store for him as his contract as head coach finishes at the end of December.

Ashton said that he felt that the scoreline had not done justice to England’s performance. “There were times when we just didn’t execute well enough, but we were unlucky on a couple of occasions, and I honestly do not think that 15-6 reflected the difference between the two sides.”

Flanker Martin Corry said: “You can’t fault the effort. You can’t fault the heart of everyone. It’s just a shame when it all counts for nothing. We gave it everything.”

Asked if it was the right decision, to disallow Cueto’s try, Corry added: “I don’t know. You have to get on with it.”