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Gatland hails clinical Wales

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Gatland: Pleased with warm-up wins

Sky Bet

Warren Gatland says Wales will head to the World Cup in a confident frame of mind after completing their warm-up schedule with a clinical win over Argentina.

The 28-13 victory followed last weekend's success against RBS Six Nations champions England, meaning Wales have won five of their last seven Test matches.

Tries from No. 8 Andy Powell, lock Alun-Wyn Jones and wing George North, plus 13 points from the boot of fly-half James Hook, completed a satisfactory slate of warm-up fixtures for Wales.

"We made nine changes for this game, so it was difficult on the guys coming in," Gatland said.

"And it's easy for people to underestimate Argentina. We took a bit of time to settle, but we then took our opportunities very well.

"The second try especially was very clinical, and it is about taking those opportunities when they are there.

"Argentina are quite difficult to pay against at the breakdown, they make it difficult for you get quick ball, but we will take confidence from our last three performances."

Fit

Gatland will name his 30-man World Cup squad on Monday, with injury concerns Stephen Jones, Ryan Jones and Rhys Priestland are all expected to be fully fit, with the biggest worry appearing to be prop Gethin Jenkins.

Gatland added: "Stephen Jones had a scan last night. He felt the calf a little bit in training, but it is not a huge concern for us.

"Rhys Priestland not too far away, and Ryan Jones will train next week. There is a long way between now and playing South Africa in that first game.

"We believe we are in good shape physically, and we have won five of our last seven games. We have that confidence."

Argentina, who will be England's opening World Cup opposition on September 10, looked predictably rusty in their first Test match of the year.

"That was our first Test for a long time, but I believe we made a step forward," said fly-half and captain Felipe Contepomi.

"In terms of the game plan and structure, we did well, but individual errors in terms of decision-making cost us.

"The more you play, the less errors you make, although that is not an excuse for today. I think we are moving in the right direction, we just need to solve these errors.

"We need to enter into the small details building towards the England game in the World Cup. Hopefully, we will arrive in a better way."

Source: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12040_7115430,00.html

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