LOCK Jake Ball knows that the pressure will be on Wales to keep the pedal to the metal in their World Cup opener against Uruguay on Sunday.

Warren Gatland's men start the tournament against the Pool A whipping boys Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium (kick-off 2.30pm).

There is a need to rack up the points and be ruthless against the amateurs given that the group of death features hosts England, Australia and Fiji; three teams who, like Wales, are in the top nine of the world rankings.

"We have to make sure that we do win the game against Uruguay and points are a massive thing. We will be going out there to try and score as many tries as possible," admitted Scarlets lock Ball.

"It will be similar to way we approached Italy (in the Six Nations) – try and get points early doors then back all the fitness we have done.

"We are a fit team. The boys are in a hell of a nick and that last 20 minutes will pay dividends for us.

"We are preparing like we would for any test match and we have the quality and strength in depth to do a good job."

Ball is likely get a chance to stake a claim for a spot in the mouth-watering clash with England a week on Saturday.

The 24-year-old established himself as Alun Wyn Jones' partner in the 2014 Six Nations but now appears to be behind Luke Chateris and Bradley Davies in the pecking order.

With Dom Day fresh from an impressive season with Bath, there are a wealth of options in the second row.

"It's well documented there is good stock in the lock department and it's good to be pushed in training," said Ball, who has won 14 caps.

"It's been great having five locks as quite often you are carrying one that had got a knock and then you can only have three locks and it can cause a bit of a mess (in training).

"I have got my parents coming over from Australia. They have made a long journey and I want to be playing as big a part in the World Cup as I can."

Whatever happens over the coming weeks, Ball has enjoyed a rapid rise after only making his professional debut in September 2012.

"I set myself a target when I knew I was coming over (from Australia) that by the end of my three year contract with the Scarlets that I wanted to pull on the Welsh jersey," said Ball, who is now on a national dual contract.

"Things happened a bit quicker than that and to have progressed and be a part of a World Cup is brilliant."

Ball is excited by the tournament and so is Uruguay's Felipe Berchesi who will be in dreamland when he runs out at the Millennium Stadium.

"Since I was a child I have dreamed of playing that stadium," said the fly-half from their training base at Newport High School.

"I admire the Welsh as rugby players and the Millennium Stadium is the summit of the rugby world. It is overwhelming for me.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am a rugby freak, I watch it 24/7 and it's iconic, the stadium, the whole environment."