Gatland excited by Wales future

Warren Gatland sends his team into battle against world champions South Africa believing Welsh rugby could be on the verge of a golden era.

And victory over the Springboks – a feat Wales have only achieved once in 104 years – would certainly strengthen Gatland’s claim.

Despite a frustrating RBS 6 Nations campaign this season when Wales won just two games, head coach Gatland has delivered an upbeat verdict ahead of tackling South Africa and then New Zealand (twice) in 22 days.

“I honestly feel that between now and 2015 could be a real golden era for Welsh rugby – the regions doing well, the international team doing well,” he said.

“We have got exciting and talented youngsters coming through, while physically we have got a lot of players who are in very good shape.

“Just looking at the ages of the players, there are some really experienced players who are going to be around for a long time yet.

“This is a stronger squad than we had in the autumn – it’s the strongest Welsh team to tour in a few years.”

The Wales squad has been noticeably lifted by success for Cardiff Blues and the Ospreys in recent weeks.

The Blues, who provide five of Gatland’s Millennium Stadium line-up, are fresh from toppling Amlin Challenge Cup final opponents Toulon in Marseille.

And the Ospreys, with eight players on Test match starting duty this weekend, were crowned Magners League champions by defeating Leinster in Dublin six days ago.

Gatland added: “For both Cardiff and the Ospreys to win trophies last month is a real confidence-booster.

“It is fantastic that both teams won – they have been knocking on the door for a while.

“Psychologically, it is great that they won away from home at difficult places.

“It gets a monkey off your back, and it becomes a catalyst – you are not afraid to win any more, and it breeds confidence and self-belief.

“I remember when I was with with Wasps and when we were involved in Europe. We hadn’t really beaten a big team away, and then we went and won in France.

“Suddenly, the players were confident and backed themselves to win away from home against very good teams.

“That’s a fantastic position to be in, and I would like to see us repeat that now at international level.”

Wales’ solitary win against South Africa came at a partially-built Millennium Stadium in 1999.

Since then, Wales have lost 10 successive Tests at the Springboks’ hands – five home and five away, with an average scoreline of 33-18.

And with clashes against New Zealand in Dunedin and Hamilton awaiting Gatland’s men later this month, it is imperative Wales now end that losing run.

It is an under-strength South African side, even allowing for lock Victor Matfield’s late call-up as an injury replacement, as coach Peter de Villiers parades three news caps and several untried combinations.

“South Africa are renowned for their strength in depth and their Super 14 teams have done well this year, but this is definitely a big opportunity for us,” acknowledged Wales flanker Jonathan Thomas.

“There is no psychological fear for us. Most of the players in our squad are experienced now and know what to expect from a game with South Africa.

“We have British and Irish Lions in our squad, players who featured in a (Lions) Test victory over the Springboks only a year ago, so there isn’t a mental issue to overcome. That isn’t to say we do not respect them.”

Wales’ determined mood though, is perhaps best summed up by centre James Hook.

Hook, who will miss the New Zealand tour, has delayed surgery on his shoulder by a week in an attempt to help Wales claim the prized Springboks scalp.

“It’s the last game of the season and it’s an opportunity for us to beat South Africa, so it was a no-brainer,” said Hook, as he prepares to resume his midfield partnership with Jamie Roberts.

“I have gone through five or six months of the season now with the shoulder, and I have made myself available for a great game.

“Obviously, it’s a problem that needs to be sorted, but an extra week should not make any difference.”