Autumn Internationals: Shaun Edwards defends Wales coach Warren Gatland

Shaun Edwards has hit out at suggestions that Wales head coach Warren Gatland is under pressure because of his poor record against southern hemisphere teams.

Wales' 34-16 defeat to world champions New Zealand three days ago was their 26th in 27 games at the hands of either the All Blacks, Australia or South Africa since Gatland took charge seven years ago.

Wales have won three Six Nations titles, claimed two Grand Slams and reached a World Cup semi-final under Gatland but have only one win over a southern hemisphere side - the 21-18 victory over Australia in November 2008

Being a Test match rugby coach, every game has got pressure. Being any sort of coach, every game has got pressure

Gatland, who has a contract until 2019, was questioned about being under pressure after New Zealand's Millennium Stadium triumph and Edwards reacted angrily when the subject was raised during a press conference on Tuesday.

Wales defence coach Edwards said: "What do you mean 'under pressure? Being a Test match rugby coach, every game has got pressure. Being any sort of coach, every game has got pressure.

"I don't understand what you mean. Do you mean do you think he is going to get sacked? If you coach Wigan Under-11s, you get pressure. You are a coach. Of course he is under pressure, everyone is under pressure. Every single game is a pressure game.

"If you are coaching a Sunday League team you are under pressure to win a game. I don't understand what you are trying to get at."

Pressure

Then in response to a question that winning 27 games means you are under less pressure than losing 27, Edwards said: "So what about if you win three Six Nations?"

Edwards is expecting a tough test when Wales face South Africa in the autumn Test series finale on Saturday.

"The Springboks have got threats all over the field," he added. "They have an incredibly powerful pack, and their defence is as good as, if not the best in the world at the moment.

"They have got intelligent players, they've got a constructive kicking game as well, and they've got an outstanding full-back in Willie le Roux, who was the main torturer for us throughout the summer (Wales lost two Tests in South
Africa).

"We are always desperate to win games of rugby, particularly when we are playing at home at the Millennium Stadium.

We are always desperate to win games of rugby, particularly when we are playing at home at the Millennium Stadium.

"Is the game as important as a World Cup game? No it is not. But it is very, very important because it is the next game we've got coming up.

"We have had some great battles with South Africa over the years. We hope it is a compelling game for the fans, and we hope we can get on the right side of the scoreboard this time."