With the physical Springboks in the same group as the big hitting Fijians and Samoans along with minnows Namibia, Wales are going to have to be at their best to cement a quarter-final berth but Gatland is hoping recent victories over England and Argentina will give his side a spring in their step when they kick off their World Cup campaign.
“We have to be going to New Zealand with a lot of confidence after beating England and Argentina,” he said.
“It is hugely positive for us to have South Africa first up. We have (England’s) Wayne Barnes refereeing and he is one of the best in the world.
“I would not want to be playing them last as a decider with referees having quarter-finals to think about: they are under as much pressure to perform as players.
“We have pushed South Africa close in recent encounters and it is about getting over the line. We know it will be tough and we have to go there with confidence, putting out our best side to get a performance and a victory.
“This is the fittest squad I have been involved in and as long as we do not pick up too many key injuries, we have a chance.
“It is a waste of time getting on the plane unless we believe we can go out there, qualify from the group and perform well.
“I do not like to think in terms of a minimum target. We want to get to the quarter-finals and take it one step at a time. We believe we are good enough.”
