Wales coach Warren Gatland has told his squad that Saturday’s Test against the mighty All Blacks is the start of their countdown to Rugby World Cup 2011.

He says he has spoken openly about the grim history of northern hemisphere results against New Zealand but told his players to believe in themselves.

Gatland said: “It wasn’t until I left New Zealand that it dawned on me how difficult it was for a touring side to come here. I have spoken to the players about that. But we have to come here with confidence and belief in ourselves which in the past, perhaps, has not been the case.

“For us this is the start of the countdown to the World Cup. It is important for us to front up mentally and physically for what is going to be a very tough game.”

He was speaking in Wellington before taking his players for an evening training session to prepare for the Saturday night kick off in Dunedin.

Gatland praised the All Blacks for their performance against Ireland and pinpointed where he thought they excelled.

He said: “I thought their offloads and their counter attacking game was pretty impressive and their lineouts went well too. Even though they have a couple of players out injured it goes to show the strength in depth there is in New Zealand rugby. It doesn’t matter who puts the Black jersey on, it’s pretty special for them.”

But despite the strength of the opposition coach Gatland is pleased with the preparation of his own squad for the encounter.

He added: ”I’ve been very pleased with the way we have come here and the way we have trained.”

And he said that Wales had to play the best teams in world rugby in order to improve.

“One of the great things about my job since I’ve been here is I’ve said we have to play against he best we can. The only way you get better is by challenging yourself against the best.”

He explained that tough training sessions for the Welsh squad on Monday and Tuesday would be followed by more restrained preparation so the players can freshen up physically and mentally for the test match.