Gatland was expected to recall British Lions star Adam Jones for the crucial RBS 6 Nations clash after the Ospreys front rower returned to action as a replacement in the Welsh region’s victory over Glasgow last Saturday.
Jones’s elbow injury has prevented him from playing any part in the championship so far but the Wales coach has no qualms about keeping Mitchell in the hot seat.
“Adam hasn’t had any rugby, only a few minutes. It’s a vote of confidence in someone like Craig Mitchell and the job he has been doing,” he said.
“I don’t think he has had enough credit for his work-rate around the field. He’s been absolutely outstanding in terms of the number of rucks he has hit and the tackles he’s made.
“We all know what Adam Jones can do, what quality he is, and for us it’s thinking long-term with a bit of depth going forward to the World Cup.”
Asked about the possibility of Jones being involved against France in Paris next week, Gatland added: “It’s a possibility. But it’s quite hard to throw a player in at the deep end who hasn’t played for eight weeks, basically.”
