Gatland's resources in the front row have taken a battering in the past week.

Having overlooked experienced Ospreys prop Nicky Smith, he lost Thomas to a foot problem in training and now Assiratti to a back injury in Saturday's loss to South Africa.

Dillon Lewis, a veteran of 57 caps, is included but Archie Griffin and Harri O'Connor have just three Test appearances between them.

It is a similar story at hooker with Ryan Elias rested and Parry departing the squad last week having been told he was a fringe player in the original squad.

But the loss of Dee to an ankle injury means captain Lake is supported by Cardiff pair Daniel and Lloyd, who also have just three caps between them.

Lewis is among a handful of senior players returning to bolster Wales having missed the South Africa match played outside the official Test window.

Exeter pair Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza, Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell and Saracens centre Nick Tompkins are all likely to return to the starting Test team.

However, Wales are still without key players, Jac Morgan, Taulupe Faletau, Tomos Williams, Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Josh Adams and Gareth Anscombe either through injury or being rested.

The 34-strong squad features ten players from Cardiff, the largest contingent from one club.

But with Ratti's exit, the group includes just three players from the Ospreys, the only Welsh side to qualify for the knock-out stages of both the United Rugby Championship and Europe this season.