Gatland: Wales need ‘no-fear’ approach

WARREN GATLAND believes Wales should have a no-fear attitude when they head to the World Cup in eight days’ time.

Wales find themselves in a tough pool, drawn alongside world champions South Africa, Samoa, Fiji and Namibia, with the Springboks providing their opening opposition on September 11.

Wales will have to improve on a record against South Africa that has seen them beat the reigning world champions just once in 25 attempts.

But Wales coach Gatland, delighted with an intense summer’s preparation highlighted by warm-up victories over England and Argentina, is in upbeat mood after naming his 30-man squad for the tournament.

“I think we are in great shape physically. We shouldn’t go there with any fears,” he said.

“I really put the players under pressure the week of the second England game this month to beat England at home and to perform (Wales won 19-9).

“In the past, sometimes they have shied away from that responsibility.

“And last weekend, we didn’t play that well, but to beat Argentina comfortably was a sign there is something in this squad that is hopefully going to show at the World Cup.

“The hardest thing about coaching an international side is limited preparation time, and the fact we have had these guys together for a couple of months has made a massive difference to us.

“I would like to think that people think we are not in bad shape going to this World Cup.”