The bonus-point win over Uruguay completed a first clean-sweep at the pool stages since 1987, when Wales beat Ireland, Tonga and Canada, and that has set up a second battle with the French at the global tournament following the meeting in the 2011 semi-final.
“We’re in a good place and building some nice momentum. Talking to the medics, they are hopeful that in a couple of days we will be able to get everyone fit and available for selection – the whole 31 training,” said Gatland.
“That will be the first time we’ve had that out here, which is really good. Now it’s about creating momentum.”
There were no reports of injuries from the win over Uruguay and Dan Biggar, Jonathan Davies and George North are all recovering well from their knocks against Fiji.
“Jonathan Davies had a scan, which came back clear. That is really positive for us because initially we were a bit worried,” admitted Gatland.
“Dan Biggar is going through his protocols and he had a scan as well. We’ve spoken to consultants from World Rugby about him and he’s spoken to the consultant as well.
“They’re pleased with the progress he’s making so hopefully he’ll be fine. George North had a slight ankle injury, but he’s going to be OK.”
It may have been a struggle to overcome the fired-up Los Teros, 35-13, but the coaching team were quick to put the performance into proper perspective.
“When you look back at previous tournaments in which we have done well, there has been a performance that wasn’t the prettiest. That wasn’t our prettiest tonight, but we dug in and I thought the bench was good,” added Gatland.
“They added to the game and the scoreline probably reflected the difference between the teams. I have to take my hat off to Uruguay – I thought they were tenacious, never gave up and kept on making tackles.
“They defended hard and were a tough team to put away. They have had a very good World Cup and their win against Fiji was their highlight.
“It was a tough game to dominate and in which to put up a big score. He had to show character and we finished strong.
“I thought it was tough on those players with the four-day turnaround – one day was travel, we then had a really light day and then the captain’s run. It was hard and some of the players hadn’t played for four or five weeks.
“I was pleased with Hadleigh Parkes in the first half – I thought he gave us some go forward – and Leigh Halfpenny had a good game. The back-row were pretty industrious as well.
“The message at half time was that we were probably a bit too clever in possession and we tried to play too much rugby. We needed to be a little more direct, and earn the right to go wide, and I thought we were pretty good in the second half.”
