Warren Gatland believes Wales would lay down a World Cup marker to Samoa if they beat the South Sea Islanders on Friday night.

Despite the countries' next World Cup meeting being almost two years away in New Zealand, Wales boss Gatland knows victory at the Millennium Stadium could have an effect.

"If we do get a result, we are laying down a bit of a marker for two years' time," he said.

"In Hamilton (in 2011) it will be different because they will have a huge amount of support."

Despite suffering three defeats from six starts against Samoa - including pool stage defeats at the 1991 and 1999 World Cups - Wales are strong favourites to record an opening autumn victory ahead of facing Argentina and Australia later this month.

And Gatland added: "We want to get to a stage where there is always an expectation (to win).

"A motivating factor for New Zealand in their driving force is the fear of failure because the consequences are dramatic back home.

"We are not afraid of getting to that stage. We are ambitious as a team, and we don't want to run away from those expectations."

Samoa will field a team containing five Guinness Premiership players. Despite the majority of his squad only assembling in Cardiff four days ago, coach Fuimaono Tafua will parade some familiar faces.

London Irish flanker George Stowers is the Samoa captain in a pack that also includes Sale Sharks hooker Mahonri Schwalger and Newcastle lock Filipo Levi.

And behind the scrum, Wales will face the considerable twin threat posed by London Irish centre Seilala Mapusua and prolific try-scoring Wasps wing David Lemi.

Gavin Williams, meanwhile, has been named to partner Mapusua in midfield, although he has temporarily returned to France to be with his wife, who is expecting a child.

Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel, who plies his trade in the Premiership with Sale Sharks and is among five changes following last weekend's defeat against New Zealand, knows the tourists are capable of causing problems.

"They have got some great individuals, some massive guys, some good ball-handlers and backs who are full of running," he said.

"We know it is going to be a tough challenge for us."

Peel though, is relishing a chance back in the Wales number nine shirt and to fire a Welsh back division that has not scored a try at the Millennium Stadium since February.

"I've had a good run in the last few weeks and I think my form has been pretty good, so I can't wait for the game," he added.

"It is a big opportunity, and I suppose the ball is in my court to perform. I am really looking forward to having a crack at these (autumn) games - it's a big few weeks for me."