Gatland eyeing a series victory

Editor

Wales boss Warren Gatland wants his team to lay down a marker in their tour opener against the Eastern Province Kings on Tuesday.

Wales boss Warren Gatland wants his team to lay down a marker in their tour opener against the Eastern Province Kings on Tuesday.

Gatland side are targeting a series victory over the the Springboks and the New Zealander – who was in charge when Wales were beaten 2-0 when they last toured South Africa in 2008 – knows the importance of improving Wales' record against the southern hemisphere's big three of the Springboks, All Blacks and Wallabies.

“The target is to win,” he said.

“I had only just been in charge when we were here in 2008. We were well beaten in the first Test and came back and were unlucky in the second Test.

“We were in front and had a couple of rough calls go against us in the second Test.

“We need to start well and get some confidence and hopefully we can win.

“A couple of years ago in Australia we were very unlucky. We were close to South Africa in the autumn and we are not here to make up the numbers.

“We are here to build, get some confidence and hopefully to win the series.”

Racing Metro flanker Dan Lydiate has been appointed as captain for the clash against the Kings.

Gatland admits that he knows very little about the Port Elizabeth-based outfit but expects a tough challenge from the side who are coached by former All Blacks fly-half Carlos Spencer.

“I don't know a lot about them,” he said.

“This is a cross as to whether they are in Currie Cup mode or getting ready for Super Rugby. But we are looking forward to it, getting to Port Elizabeth.

“It's a lovely place and a good stadium and it will be a massive challenge.

“Just because we don't know a lot about them does not mean they will not be typical South African side – they will be tough and physical.

“But we need to start this tour on the front foot and we will be looking for a good performance ahead of that first Test.”