CARETAKER coach Scott Johnson says despite the trials and tribulations of this season the current crop of players have the ammunition to fire Wales into the last four of the 2007 World Cup.

Johnson pinpointed the exertions of 2005 for causing more injuries than can be counted on both hands, but is hopeful Wales can come back firing on all cylinders, provided they can recharge their batteries.

Johnson said: "Once again I think we have under-rated what we did last year from the players perspective, we had the Lions tour and the big three in the autumn - it has been arduous to say the least.

At the end of the day we've got another group of kids coming through, we've experimented in some positions and we have got the draw from heaven when it comes to the World Cup, we couldn't complain about that.

"This side, with the right preparation, the right off-season, and the right petrol in the tank, I reckon is knocking on the door of the World Cup semi-final and I think that's a good place to be."

Errors plagued the game with Italy but Johnson insisted the thought of adopting a conservative game plan for France had not even crossed his mind.

"We are going to try and win the game, it's easy to leave the roof open and let it pour down with rain but I don't want that, no way, and nor do the spectators," said Johnson.

"We are going out there to play and rest assured when you see my name involved with any coaching sheet that will be the philosophy.

"Nothing's worse than watching a 3-0 drab game of sport.

"In sport and in life it's not just about winning, it's about trying to win, it's not about holding on. Better to burn out than it is to rust."