The New Zealander took off tight-head prop Peter Clohessy and flanker Trevor Brennan with 10 minutes to go when Ireland were leading 20-14 - after which they failed to score any more points and went down 27-20.

Foley hits back for Ireland

Gatland was honest enough to admit his mistake, saying: "It could have been something completely different if they'd stayed on the field and I have only myself to blame for that.

"But as it is a learning experience for the team, I will not make the same mistake again."

Ireland, who won the first match of their seven-game tour of South Africa against Boland, outplayed the Eagles at the start.

But they had to be satisfied with only one try from number eight Anthony Foley in the first half and trailed at the break 14-11 after their only other scores were two David Humphreys penalties.

Ireland frequently took the wrong options, keeping the ball close to the forwards, instead of running it wide - a tactic which cost them several tries.

Nevertheless, Ireland hit back to lead 20-14 thanks to three more Humphreys penalties as the big, physical Eagles forwards struggled to contain the Irish pack.

Desperate defence at times saw them keep the home side out as they enjoyed the better of the line-outs.

But after Gatland replaced Clohessy and Brennan with John Hayes and David Corkery, everything started going wrong.

Hayes and Corkery were unable to get into the game, and with the Ireland forwards on the back foot, the Eagles took control, scoring 13 points without reply in the final 10 minutes.

Scorers, South Western Districts:

Tries: Conrad Stoltz, Freddie Roberts.

Conversion: Jacques Benade.

Penalties: Jacques Benade (4).

Drop goal: Jacques Benade.

Ireland:

Try: Anthony Foley.

Penalties: David Humphreys (5).