WALES head coach Warren Gatland admits that he is under pressure over his poor record against the Southern Hemisphere big three but insists his side are ahead of schedule leading up to next year’s World Cup.

Wales have managed just one win in 27 encounters with New Zealand, Australia and South Africa since Gatland’s 2007 appointment.

And having already lost to both the All Blacks and the Wallabies over the past month the build-up to Saturday’s clash with the Springboks has been dominated by criticism of that record.

The Welsh Rugby Union took exception to a question from the BBC after last week’s defeat to New Zealand and defence coach Shaun Edwards was clearly angered as he denied that his boss was under pressure earlier this week.

But Gatland has moved to calm the row by admitting that he is indeed under pressure.

“You are always under pressure in sport,” he said. “As a group, it’s more about the pressure you put on yourselves as much as anything, rather than the external pressure.

“For us it’s about using the autumn to play against the best teams in the world to prepare for the Six Nations and for the World Cup.

“There wasn’t any complaint made to the BBC,” he added. “What was said afterwards was that given that was an unbelievable Test match and we pushed the All Blacks for 69 minutes and played some great rugby and were very proud of the way we performed and played, I suppose – and it’s nothing that I’d said – people within our camp felt that was an unfair question.

“I’ve never minded (people) asking hard questions. Sometimes you get dumb questions, but hard questions are something I’ve never worried about.

“I pride myself on always telling the truth and giving an opinion.”

Gatland has made three changes to his side to face the Springboks with George North ruled out due to concussion.

He is replaced by Liam Williams, who will play on the wing, while Gethin Jenkins and Scott Baldwin come in for Paul James and Richard Hibbard.

And the coach is clear that, win or lose on Saturday, his side is progressing well ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

“Where we are going to be judged on is our performance in the World Cup,” he said.

“Our whole focus in on making sure we get out of that pool at the World Cup.

“I think we are ahead of schedule. I’m pretty happy with the way we’ve progressed in this campaign.”