Gatland has repeatedly claimed this is a long-term project towards the 2027 World Cup in Australia as he builds a new youthful but inexperienced side.

Alun Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Justin Tipuric, Leigh Halfpenny and George North have been lost to international retirement.

Jac Morgan, Taulupe Faletau, Tomos Williams and Adam Beard were unavailable for this tour through injury.

Number eight Aaron Wainwright joined them on the sidelines with a hamstring problem following his outstanding performance against the Wallabies in the first Test in Sydney.

Josh Adams, Will Rowlands and Ryan Elias were rested this summer, while Gareth Anscombe is still feeling his way back after a long-term groin injury.

While Gatland has lost experience, he has also baffled many with some of his choices.

He has not picked in-form players like Ospreys duo Nicky Smith and Morgan Morris and made decisions to play individuals out of position, most notably Mason Grady at inside centre.

Gatland has preferred to select young players and this has resulted in situations where Bath duo Archie Griffin and Regan Grace are playing their first professional competitive matches for Wales rather than their clubs.

"We honestly believe this is going to be a good team," said Gatland.

"We just need a bit of time together. In terms of how young the players are, we know we've got some quality to come back with players who weren't on tour.

"It's about developing the depth in the squad, so if we do pick up injuries in the future, guys have had experience wearing the jersey.

"We've been clear we want to work towards the next World Cup. That's been our goal and we know it's going to take a bit of time."