Wales need 'A game' against South Africa - Gareth Anscombe

Cardiff Blues signed Gareth Anscombe from Waikato Chiefs in New Zealand in July 2014

Gareth Anscombe says surviving the so-called pool of death gives Wales extra incentive to beat South Africa in their World Cup quarter-final.

The Welsh finished second in Pool A, qualifying with Australia while hosts England were eliminated.

Anscombe missed the start of the tournament with an ankle injury and says Wales must build on that success.

"We've come out of that pool and to lose tomorrow would be hard to take," said the New Zealand-born full-back.

"We've talked about the fact that none of us want to go home yet.

"You want to be in these positions and we certainly would like to be in a semi-final next week.

"We're well aware of what's coming but if we can take our chances and bring our 'A game' we can cause them a few problems and hopefully get on the right side of that scoreboard.

"We're good enough to do it and we certainly believe we can win tomorrow."

Gareth Anscombe was recovering from injury on holiday in Dubai while Wales started their World Cup campaign

From the pool to a quarter-final

Anscombe's convoluted journey to the quarter-final reflects Wales' injury-ravaged campaign.

The Cardiff Blues player, who also operates as a fly-half, was injured in the week before coach Warren Gatland named his final squad.

He was on holiday in Dubai when Wales opened their campaign, but an injury to Cory Allen in the 54-9 win over Uruguay meant a recall for the still recovering Anscombe, who sat out the wins over England and Fiji, but played in the 15-6 loss to Australia.

"For that first week I think I might have been in Dubai, sitting in a pool sort of relaxing," said Anscombe.

"So it's certainly been a quick change in a month's time. When I got that injury in training it was pretty unfortunate.

"And to be sitting here now with a big quarter-final tomorrow it's kind of a dream come true really.

"It's a huge occasion. My family is going to be here so it's a special moment for me and I can't wait."