Gatland gears up for World Cup campaign

Warren Gatland believes Wales’ daunting June Test match programme is perfect preparation for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

Wales host reigning world champions South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday before heading to New Zealand for appointments with the All Blacks in Dunedin on June 19 and Hamilton seven days later.

“You couldn’t get a closer simulation in terms of our preparation for the World Cup,” said head coach Gatland.

“Out first game in the World Cup is against South Africa, and in going to New Zealand we are familiarising ourselves with some of the training venues and hotels for next year.

“We are playing three really tough matches, and we consider it to be the real start of the countdown towards the World Cup.”

South Africa will be without most of their star names from Super 14 finalists the Bulls and Stormers, while Bath back Butch James is another likely absentee.

James has been named to start in the centre, but because Saturday’s game does not fall in an officially-recognised International Rugby Board Test match window, Premier Rugby – umbrella organisation for England’s 12 top clubs – are likely to rule that James must be withdrawn.

Clubs are only obliged to release players for official international matches, and Premier Rugby have adopted a consistent stance on the subject.

“The release of players is required for matches on the second, third and fourth weekends of June, and for five clear training days in advance,” said Premier Rugby.

“This release is intended for matches being played in the southern hemisphere.

“The first weekend in June is not part of the IRB release period, and unions have no right to release of players from the clubs.

“In the interests of player welfare, which the IRB Working Accord made the top priority, this first weekend was intended under the regulation to be a period of travel for the players so they would be in best condition for the June Tests in the southern hemisphere.

“This now appears to be compromised by international matches being arranged in the northern hemisphere for apparently commercial reasons.”

James Hook, meanwhile, is ready to face South Africa’s renowned physical approach by playing through the pain barrier.

Ospreys midfield star Hook will delay shoulder surgery by another week, although Wales have lost the services of their record try-scorer Shane Williams.

Hook’s Ospreys colleague also has shoulder trouble and he will miss the Springboks clash, together with the Tests against New Zealand. Uncapped Newport Gwent Dragons prospect Will Harries takes Williams’ place on tour.

Wales, whose only previous win against South Africa came 11 years ago at an unfinished Millennium Stadium, show three changes from the side that beat RBS 6 Nations opponents Italy last time out.

Cardiff Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny returns instead of Williams, with 18-year-old Ospreys prodigy Tom Prydie switching wings, while Paul James replaces injured prop Gethin Jenkins and lock Deiniol Jones is in for Luke Charteris, who rests a neck problem.