Warren Gatland may have taken Wales as far as he can - James

Warren Gatland took over Wales in 2007 and has also coached Ireland and the British & Irish Lions

Warren Gatland may have done all he can as Wales coach says Dafydd James.

However, former Wales wing and centre James believes no changes should be made until after the 2015 World Cup

"We can't make radical changes at this stage," said James, who won 48 Wales caps and three for the British and Irish Lions.

"The World Cup is looming. You've got to stick with Gatland for the time being but he's possibly taken us as far we can [go]."

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards has refuted suggestions that Gatland is under pressure due to his record against southern hemisphere sides.

Last weekend's defeat by New Zealand was Wales' 26th in 27 games against the All Blacks, Australia and South Africa since Gatland took charge.

Dafydd James won 48 Wales caps and played in three British and Irish Lions Tests

"He certainly is under pressure and his answer to the question just said it all really. One victory against southern hemisphere sides in 27 games, so he is under pressure," said James, 39, on the BBC's Radio Wales Sport programme.

"Every game is a pressure game. But I think they are sweating a little bit, the backroom staff, they thought they could have snuck a win [against New Zealand] and up until 65 minutes they were in the running.

"We threw a lot at New Zealand, it was a World Cup final if you want for lack of a better description and the boys are going to be drained mentally and physically."

Wales finish their autumn Test series on Saturday against South Africa at the Millennium Stadium, having only beaten the Springboks once - in 1999 at the venue.

"One more hurdle, I think it's probably one too far but you never know," James added.

"The South Africans are in a little bit of disarray, but they've brought in Willie le Roux who is a box of tricks and could pose a lot of problems. It'll be a tough afternoon.

"What Wales need to do is consolidate, bring in a couple of fresh players, have a plan B because it doesn't appear like we have got one, and keep persevering."