He pointed out that Wales have a track record of improving during tournaments as their momentum builds. Wales face Samoa in Hamilton on Sunday in their second Pool D encounter of Rugby World Cup 2011.
He said: “We’ve got to build from last week. We started well in terms of performance but we need to get results. One of the things we have been able to demonstrate as a team is that we have been able to get better as tournaments go on.”
He revealed he is not expecting to announce a large number of changes from the line up which faced the Springboks in Wellington when he names his team later this week.
Gatland said he had been pleased by the response of his players to the defeat against South Africa although they were all disappointed by the loss.
He revealed how some players had spoken to coaches to admit they felt personal responsibility because of individual mistakes they owned up to.
Gatland said he regarded their openness as a huge positive as he tries to build a team which wants to win and is made up of players prepared to take responsibility.
He said:”I was really impressed by our players afterwards. Some of the players felt the loss was their responsibility and for me that was pleasing from their point of view as individuals. It showed players taking responsibility.”
The coach also said he was hoping Wales would secure even more support at the weekend as the people of Waikato get behind the Welsh.
He said: ”I am hoping the Waikato people will get behind us. I’ve had a lot of calls from the Waikato from people who are going to support us so that should create a great atmosphere.”
He said the strong local support the Welsh team won in Wellington had really helped Wales. But he said his players will have to face Samoa with the same confidence they had when they took the field against South Africa.
He said: “Samoa are going to be tough. We have to go in with the belief and confidence that we are good enough to win it.”
