And although he recognises the draw is maybe more difficult than he would have hoped, Gatland insists they are looking forward to testing themselves on the biggest stage.

“It’s a tough group but it’s a great group to be in. We’re excited about it,” said the 49-year-old, speaking to the South Wales Argus.

“We were in a tough group last time with Samoa, South Africa and Fiji, and this time we’ve got Australia and England.

“The last three games against Australia have been very close though, and against England the games have been pretty even with both teams winning in Cardiff or at Twickenham.

“We know each other pretty well so 2015 will be incredibly exciting, even though there is a lot of rugby to be played before that.”

Under Gatland’s stewardship, Wales secured their third Grand Slam win in the last eight RBS 6 Nations tournaments in March.

And the New Zealander, who takes charge of the British and Irish Lions on their summer tour in 2013, believes that whoever progresses from Pool A will be among the favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

He added: “If you get out of that group and make the quarter-finals you’re in great shape because even the Oceania team, which will probably be Fiji, makes it very competitive.”