Both Adam Beard and Josh Adams have been given starts ahead of the more experienced Cory Hill and Liam Williams. But Gatland is confident there is enough quality throughout the squad to make an impact on Saturday.
“I think there are a few things to realise in terms of the consideration of the team,” said Gatland.
“One, there is some continuity from last week and two, we wanted to reward the boys that toured in the summer. Josh had a particularly good tour and we wanted to give him another opportunity.
“We know the capabilities of Liam Williams and Josh getting an opportunity against a quality side like Australia gives us another chance to look at him.
“We’ve talked about creating depth and competition within the squad and that’s why those guys have been picked in those positions.
“It is about us trying to be consistent and also sending a message to the players who went in the summer that their performances will be rewarded. We are also creating depth and competition within the squad as well.”
Ospreys lock Beard has impressed during the early stages of the season and Gatland believes he has a big future in the game.
Gatland also believes outside-half Gareth Anscombe will benefit from having a run of games after impressing in last weekends victory over Scotland.
“You can’t coach someone to be 6 ft 8 and 19 stone, that helps for a start,” he said.
“He is a player for the future who has got some real skills. He’s a good lineout forward and is just going to get better and better.
“Lock is a position where we want to create depth. It was about sending a message to Gareth Anscombe that we didn’t want to just pick him for one game and then put you on the bench.
“It wasn’t really a difficult selection decision for us. It was one about giving Gareth another opportunity at this level.”
