ALL BLACKS TO TARGET JAMIE; But Gatland believes Blues ace can deliver top-class show.

Byline: Blair Wood

WARREN Gatland has warned Cardiff Blues star Jamie Roberts he will be heavily targeted by the New Zealand defence next weekend.

But the Wales supremo believes that, if the big-hitting centre can rediscover the breathtaking form he showed for the Lions this summer, it could be the key against the mighty All Blacks.

Having seen first-hand the devastation Roberts caused against South Africa four months ago, Gatland is confident the 22-year-old has made the Southern Hemisphere superpowers sit up and take notice.

While New Zealand and Australia struggled to breach the Springboks defence in the Tri-Nations, the Blues man repeatedly did so for the Lions, making numerous hard yards in the process, and will now be seen as one of Wales' main attacking threats.

So it's not exactly a surprise that Gatland expects the likes of Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Luke McAlister to do all they can to stop Roberts in his tracks.

But, if they fail to do so, the New Zealander suggested his fellow countrymen may not know how to deal with the sort of pressure Wales could then put them under.

"I think he's definitely going to be a target," Gatland responded when asked if Roberts would frighten the All Blacks. "They are going to really look to shove him down.

"But, if he can do what he did in South Africa and get across that gain-line, it will give us something to work off.

"It was interesting to see how much pressure he put the Springboks under with the Lions. You didn't see that happening in the Tri-Nations.

"We're just hoping he can get back to that form and repeat it."

Roberts is not the only member of the Blues backline that Gatland is hoping will make an impact in the autumn internationals.

Along with the likes of Tom Shanklin and Leigh Halfpenny, Tom James has returned to the Wales fold, much to his national coach's delight.

Having struggled with injuries for much of last season, James has been returning to some of his best form for the Blues in recent weeks.

And, while he will have to fight off plenty of competition from the likes of Halfpenny, Mark Jones and World Player of the Year Shane Williams, Gatland sees plenty of potential in the 22-year-old.

"It's pleasing to see Tom back after having a number of injuries," he said. "He's only been back for a few weeks, but he played well at the end of last year and he was good on tour.

"He's a big man, he's quick and his game is improving all the time. He scored a good try last week, has a few games under his belt now and plays in an area where we hope there will be real competition."

CAPTION(S):

Warren Gatland, left, knows that Jamie Roberts, pictured in action against the All Blacks, will be a marked man