WALES fullback Gareth Anscombe is not all that keen on getting caught up in the South African forwards if he takes to the field on Saturday.

The Kiwi-born utility back, drafted into the Welsh squad late by Warren Gatland, started his first test in the 15 jersey on Saturday and after a shaky start grew into the game.

Wales lost 15-6 to finish runner-up in the group England were eliminated from and it's South Africa up next in the quarter finals.

Anscombe thinks writing the Springboks off is a foolish thing to do even after losing to Japan in their opening game of the tournament.

"They're a very physical team," he said.

"I think they've been building nicely

"The Japan game certainly put them on the back foot and I think they're enjoying being a bit of an underdog at the moment.

"They're being written off a bit at home and that's probably pulling them together.

"I think they've been building nicely along with Australia, so they're going to bring a whole different challenge.

"Their rolling maul is the best in the world, they've got a very big pack and I don't want to get in the way of that too much to be honest, but hopefully our tight five leaders can do a job on them and put them in trouble as well."

Wales might well have topped the group had they scored a try with Australia down to 13 men in the second half, but they couldn't breach the wall of gold.

The scrum looked like it was going to walk over and when the time was running out on the sin-bin to Will Genia and Dean Mumm - Wales were criticised in some quarters for not spinning the ball wide.

Anscombe said: "Look, we talked about that.

"I don't know, especially out wide it felt like there was a lot of space out there and obviously they were blitzing trying to get you ball and all - they did that a couple of times.

"If we're being hard on ourselves, we should've scored and then it would've been a completely different game, wouldn't it.

"We'll look at the footage and look to improve before next weekend."

The former Chief could come up against his old team-mates should Wales get through South Africa and New Zealand can beat the French.

Anscombe is keeping his friends close and his enemies closer.

"I managed to catch up with a few of the boys in Cardiff when I went to the Georgia game," he said.

"I didn't see the Tonga game, but I'm sure they'll be building nicely into a quarter final with France or whoever it might be.

"Hopefully I'll see them all again soon."