WARREN Gatland has urged his Wales squad to draw on inspiration from France to deliver a historic victory over the All Blacks.

Wales aim to end 57 years of pain when they face New Zealand in the first Test in Dunedin on Saturday.

And head coach Gatland insists his side must show the same characteristics as the 2010 Grand Slam winners if they are to make their own piece of history at Carisbrook.

Gatland said: "Between now and Saturday we need to build our self-belief and confidence.

"We have to build on the performance and what we created against South Africa.

"We have to believe in our own ability and it's part of my job to keep the players motivated and create their self-belief.

"I keep looking back to Carisbrook last year when France came down to New Zealand with a very weakened team. They would have been written off before that game was played. But they came here with an air of confidence.

"France won the first Test and they probably should have won the second Test as well, and went away with the Dave Gallaher Shield.

"You have to keep looking at those occasions and hopefully the same may apply and happen to us."

Kiwi Gatland has returned to his native land in charge of a rugby team for the first time.

Wales are based in Wellington as a dress rehearsal for the 2011 World Cup, before flying to South Island on Thursday to face Graham Henry's men. But Gatland believes his homecoming can prove to be an advantage to his youthful touring party.

Gatland added: "It's fantastic to be here and the weather is actually better than I thought it would be. It's good to be back and I'm really looking forward to game.

"But I don't think there will be any added pressure on me. I actually think it is an advantage that I know the venues and the people.

"I will try to use those experiences I have had in New Zealand and hope they will be an advantage to players.

"But the big thing for us is we think physically we're in pretty good shape, in terms of fitness, and we have the skills."

Wales will name their team formally on Thursday but Blues lock Bradley Davies has missed training to rest a minor knee problem while Leigh Halfpenny is fit after overcoming a stomach bug.

But Gatland insists his players are ready for the challenge of taking on the world's best.

He said: "I've been pleased with the way we trained in the first couple of days in New Zealand.

"We will have a tough physical session in training on Tuesday, but then it's important that the lads freshen up and get themselves in a mental state for what will be a really tough physical battle on Saturday."

Phil Cadden