Wales face Australia, Georgia, New Zealand and South Africa next month with Gatland looking to develop a squad capable of competing at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
“We exposed six new caps in the summer and there’s five uncapped players in this squad so I think you have to be positive about us trying to develop some depth,” said Gatland. “We want to get results in every campaign and do well against teams like the ones we are playing.”
Among those selected in the squad is Kiwi born centre Hadleigh Parkes who has qualified for Wales after spending three years playing for the Scarlets.
Uncapped Ospreys centre Owen Watkin has also been selected in the squad, along with Wales Sevens star Sam Cross, who has only played one game of professional rugby for the Ospreys.
“The game has changed and we are seeing a lot of sides with ball players at 12. It’s based on speed of ball and decision making so we have picked players who we think can fulfil a role for us and can develop. We are working on that as part of our game moving forward.
“We haven’t always had the personnel who have been able to do that but we are working hard on that. We’ve got players like Owen (Watkin) and Hadleigh (Parkes) who could fulfil those roles and Owen Williams as well.
“We will see whether they can adapt to the way the game is developing and changing particularly over the last couple of years.”
Along with a host of uncapped players Gatland has recalled veteran outside half Rhys Priestland on the back of an impressive start to the season with Bath.
“He’s done exceptionally well. I thought the big difference in the Scarlets-Bath match was the way Bath’s half-backs controlled the game. He looks calm, relaxed and seems to be playing with a lot of confidence. It’s going back a while but that’s what we had in 2011, a Rhys Priestland who was very good for us.”
Under Armour Series 2017 – BUY TICKETS HERE
WALES v AUSTRALIA – Saturday, 11 November 2017 (17:15)
WALES v GEORGIA – Saturday, 18 November 2017 (14:30)
WALES v NEW ZEALAND – Saturday, 25 November 2017 (17:15) SOLD OUT
WALES v SOUTH AFRICA – Saturday, 2 December 2017 (14:30)
Official Hospitality Packages are available from 02920 822 413 or visit www.wru.wales/hospitalityand official travel packages can be purchased from the WRU’s official travel supplier, Gullivers Sports Travel by visiting www.gulliverstravel.co.uk
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