DEFENCE coach Shaun Edwards has angrily dismissed claims that Wales boss Warren Gatland is under pressure because of his failure to beat the southern hemisphere big guns.

Australia and New Zealand have already left the Millennium Stadium with the spoils this month, leaving Gatland’s charges with a final shot at glory when they host South Africa on Saturday.

Their record does not give reason for optimism – under the New Zealander they have managed just one win in 27 encounters with the big three since his 2007 appointment.

While Ireland have beaten both the Springboks and the Wallabies this autumn, Wales have endured a string of narrow defeats.

It led to Gatland being asked in a television interview following the 34-16 loss to the All Blacks whether his poor record was putting him under pressure.

The New Zealander, who is under contract until 2019, bristled at such a suggestion and his defence coach was just as spiky when a reporter repeated the question at a press conference.

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.”

Then in response to the journalist stating a coach who loses 27 Tests is under more pressure than one who loses 27, Edwards said: “So what about if you win three Six Nations (titles)?”

South African name their team today and Edwards says the world’s second best side will present a stern challenge even in the absence of wingers JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana because of club commitments, the retirement of talisman lock Bakkies Botha and the injury victims Francois Louw, Ruan Pienaar and Fourie du Preez.

He said: "The Springboks have got threats all over the field. They have an incredibly powerful pack, their defence is as good, 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. He is certainly a guy we need to keep our eye on.”