The Welsh squad received the royal send-off when Gatland’s men met HRH Prince Charles of Wales at Clarence House yesterday to mark their Six Nations triumph.
But Gatland insists he is determined to regain the Prince William Cup when they face the Springboks on their two-Test tour.
Gatland said: “We’ve won the Grand Slam and the Six Nations but that is only the first step on the ladder. South Africa will be a real test, then we have the November matches and the long-term goal is the World Cup.
“Meeting the Prince of Wales was great because it was recognition for how well the players did in the Six Nations. But as a coach you’re always wary of getting the balance right. It’s vital the players don’t lose their focus in what we are here to do and that is playing Test rugby and winning.
“We know we must keep our feet on the ground and not rest on our laurels. We want to reach the next level and compete with the best in the world.”
Wales lifted their second Slam in four years following victory in their last game over France. And dragons’ record-try-scorer Shane Williams wants the class of 2008 to ensure that golden success was not a flash in the pan.
Wing wizard Williams said: “The Grand Slam was a massive achievement for us but it’s gone now. We need to carry on where we have left off because in the past we’ve fallen off things a bit after success.”
Wales face the Springboks in next Saturday’s first Test in Bloemfontein (June 7th) before the teams clash again in Pretoria on June 14th.
