With the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan next year the ultimate goal for Gatland and his coaching staff, this November’s four games are of vital importance.
Wales face four games on consecutive Saturdays next month, starting with an inaugural autumn meeting with Scotland at Principality Stadium on November 3.
“We’ve got some injuries in the back-row, but we’ve got a lot more strength in depth than we’ve ever had,” said Gatland’s assistant coach and defence chief Shaun Edwards.
“When we were the best team in Europe in 2011, 2012 and 2013, we had a good 23, but after that there was a bit of a drop if anyone got injured.
“At the moment we aren’t 100 per cent sure what our best team is.
“I always look forward to the Six Nations, but I am also looking forward to these autumn internationals because they are all winnable games.
“They are also matches against very good sides and that is what you want in a sporting contest. You don’t want to go into it and know who is going to win. That brings excitement.”
Gatland’s 37-man squad for the Under Armour Series has a settled feel to it with a great deal of experience included.
British & Irish Lions Alun Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Dan Biggar, Jonathan Davies, Liam Williams, George North and Leigh Halfpenny – among others – provide significant continuity from previous campaigns.
The only two uncapped players are flying backs; Ospreys and former Wales Sevens wing Luke Morgan and Leicester’s Jonah Holmes.
Looking ahead to the upcoming fixtures, Edwards said: “In attack the Australians are still one of the best teams around. With Michael Hooper and David Pocock in their back-row they are very combative over the ball.
“But we’ve got Scotland first of all and they are very, very good over the ball too. I always knew South Africa would be good under Rassie Erasmus. He’s an outstanding coach.
“It is no surprise the Springboks have improved under him.”
The first day of camp sees Wales’ players receive their new training kit, sign merchandise for sponsors and pose for their headshot photographs.
Then it’s down to business in training and the intensity will gradually increase ahead of the clash against Gregor Townsend’s Scots a week on Saturday.
Gatland will leave his role as Wales head coach after the World Cup with current Scarlets boss Wayne Pivac taking over.
Edwards will also depart his job as defence assistant and move to rugby league to take charge of his boyhood club Wigan.
The hugely successful coach wants to leave on a high.
“The thing about the people in Wales is they have accepted me as one of their own,” Edwards said.
“I was talking to a gentleman who moved up to Wigan 40 or 50 years ago and he said the people in Wales and Wigan and the North West are exactly the same.
“I’ve been accepted and I just want to go out with a bang. We want to get into the big games. That’s what I always wanted to do when I was at Wigan; get to the big games, quarter-finals, semi-finals and take it from there. We’ve got a pretty good record there.”
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UNDER ARMOUR SERIES 2018 FIXTURES
November 3: Wales vs Scotland (2.45pm)
November 10: Wales vs Australia (5.20pm)
November 17: Wales vs Tonga (2.30pm)
November 24: Wales vs South Africa (5.20pm)
