Wales coach Warren Gatland is so determined to avoid a repeat of the team's first round World Cup exit of four years ago at this year's edition that he has spoken to predecessor Gareth Jenkins to find out what went wrong.

Jenkins was effectively sacked the day after a stunning 38-34 defeat by Fiji in Nantes ended Wales's involvement in the 2007 World Cup in France.

Former Ireland and Wasps boss Gatland helped revitalise the team by leading Wales to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2008 but recent results have been mixed and the prospects for the side as they return to their coach's native New Zealand are uncertain.

Fiji once again lie in wait for Wales in a pool also featuring reigning champions South Africa and a Samoa side who recently beat Australia as well as outsiders Namibia.

Wales, according to Gatland, went in with a plan to keep things tight against Fiji four years ago yet they found themselves drawn into the kind of opening running game the Pacific Islanders relish and paid the price.

"It is the pinnacle of anyone's career, coach or player, to be involved in a World Cup and the players have worked incredibly hard," Gatland said.

"For me, going back to New Zealand is an honour and we have to do Wales proud. We will give it our best shot.

"I have spoken to Gareth Jenkins and (his assistant) Nigel Davies about some of the things they did with Wales four years ago and what they would do differently if they had their time again.

"It was good to listen to them and a big help to me.

"The disappointing thing for the coaches in 2007 was that they had put a tight gameplan in place to beat Fiji and for whatever reason the match exploded into a loose affair which played into Fiji's hands.

"As a result Gareth lost his job but the players were still employed the following week. We will certainly look to pick and go against Fiji and Samoa."

Wales may have lost their opening warm-up fixture against England but beat their old foes in the return game in Cardiff before defeating Argentina, third at the 2007 World Cup.

They may be without several injured players in Morgan Stoddart, Gavin Henson and Matthew Rees, who would have captained the side, but Gatland said Wales would head to the World Cup in a positive frame of mind ahead of a tough pool opener against South Africa on September 11.

"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.

"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."

AFP