PERCY Montgomery believes Wales will make rapid strides under Warren Gatland, who he expects to bring his Wasps experience to bear on the team, writes Robin Davey.

Monty also expressed his shock that the Springboks, who went on to win the World Cup last year, didn't face Wales in the quarter-finals after their stunning setback against the Fijians in their final group game.

"Warren Gatland had an unbelievable record with Wasps and you could see the defensive qualities he brought in there," said Monty.

"He'll bring a lot of that to Wales and if he does and brings in the right mindset he will definitely have success. He has chosen a new squad and is starting afresh so it's a great opportunity for the players.

"He is a well-respected man and has got the record to show it. He has also brought in Shaun Edwards and got Martyn Williams out of retirement. The coach is outstanding and people have got to back him and believe in him.

"With Jake White they wanted to fire him about three times, it's in his book. But you've got to build for the future. Jake started in 2004, and it takes four years with a lot of thinking and preparation."

And on that World Cup shock for Wales Monty said: "We had been expected to meet Wales in the quarter-finals and every player had a role to prepare for that game. I did all the kicking, but then Wales got knocked out and we had to re-do everything to play against Fiji.

"We were shocked it wasn't Wales in the quarter-finals, they shouldn't have lost but they didn't play well and Fiji were one of the teams of the tournament.

"You've got to mould your team with senior and young players and get the team ethics working."

Now Monty is ready to play at Rodney Parade one more time today. "The crowd is very passionate and right on top of you," he said.

"It's difficult playing there, but I'm looking forward to it, I hope it dries up a bit and the result goes our way! I know it's been difficult for them with half their team injured, but when they get back it'll be better for them."

Perpignan have picked a strong team with Montgomery at full back along with French World Cup pair David Marty and Nicolas Mas, England prop Perry Freshwater, who leads the side, and Scottish lock Nathan Hines, team-mate Chris Cusiter on the bench.

The Dragons are waiting to see if wing Richard Mustoe recovers from a groin strain, but Colin Charvis is back to captain the team.

Perpignan: D Marty, C Manas, D Marty, J Grandclaude, A Plante, C Rosalen, N Durand, P Freshwater (captain), G Guirado, N Mas, R Alvazez Kairelis, N Hines, V Vaki, D Chouly, H Tuilagi. Replacements: M Tincu, K Pulu, G Britz, O Tonita, C Cusiter, N Laharrague, J Perez. Kick off 1.30pm.