Gatland 'excited' as Wales land tough draw

Wales boss Warren Gatland believes his reigning RBS Six Nations champions have landed “the toughest pool” of Rugby World Cup 2011.

But the New Zealander is also relishing tackling Webb Ellis Trophy holders South Africa, Wales’ 2007 World Cup destroyers Fiji and ever-dangerous Samoa.

The Samoans have yet to qualify, but they are red-hot favourites for the Oceania 1 berth, with Wales' group being completed by Africa 1 – probably Namibia.

Gatland, who took over as Wales head coach a year ago today, has already guided his team to a Six Nations title and a leap of five places from 10th to fifth in the International Rugby Board world rankings.

Wales were also the solitary European team to defeat Tri-Nations opposition during a deflating autumn series, beating their possible 2011 World Cup quarter-final opponents Australia on Saturday.

England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy, meanwhile, suffered a total of eight defeats between them as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa ran riot.

Gatland said: “It is a great draw and we are excited about it.

“Look at the World Cup last year – the winners of the competition came from the toughest pool.

“If we come out of it (the group), then we are in pretty good shape for the quarter-finals as we will have played some tough rugby, as long as we don’t pick up too many injuries.

“I think this is the toughest pool.”