Victory for Wales will send out right signals

The countries face a quickfire Millennium Stadium rematch after England triumphed narrowly at Twickenham last weekend, and Gatland is only contemplating one outcome.

“We have spoken as a group about how important it is for us to win on Saturday,” said the Wales coach, who has called up James Hook, Gavin Henson, Lloyd Burns and Luke Charteris for their first pre-tournament starts.

“If we are going to be serious contenders in this World Cup, we need to send out a message that we are good enough to beat England at home and do that next week as well (against Argentina).

“I don’t want us going into a World Cup with people thinking that Wales are good enough to win games, but for that to be a surprise or an upset. We need the win this weekend – it’s as simple as that.

“We have the toughest pool at the tournament, and in less than a month’s time we will be facing South Africa in our first match.

“It’s vital we go into that match with the sound of Welsh fans ringing in our ears, fans who have cheered us to victory in the final two matches.”