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Warren Gatland: 'Wales will thrive as Rugby World Cup underdogs'

Wales coach Warren Gatland believes that his team, who play Uruguay in their opening fixture, can thrive in the role of underdogs at the Rugby World Cup.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has insisted that Wales will thrive in the role of underdogs at the Rugby World Cup.

Wales will take on Uruguay, England, Fiji and Australia in Pool A of the tournament.

Gatland has seen injuries to key players Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb disrupt his side's preparation, but believes that the underdog tag will suit his players.

"If you can do your jobs and write us off as much as possible, which seems to be happening at the moment, that's the best situation for a Wales team to be in," the New Zealander told the media at Wales's first press conference of the tournament.

"Sometimes those things galvanise us and make us stronger as a unit, so continue to do it please."

The 51-year-old is of the opinion that several sides, including his own, have a chance of glory at this year's World Cup.

"I believe this is going to be the closest World Cup. There are a number of teams who need a bit of luck to get through the pool stages but everyone has an opportunity," he added.

Wales open their World Cup campaign at the Millennium Stadium against Uruguay on September 20.

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Wales centre Jamie Roberts in action during Wales training ahead of their RBS Six Nations match against Italy on saturday, at the Vale hotel on January 28, 2014
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