The Grand Slam champions slipped to a series whitewash by South Africa at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday but there were encouraging signs from the 37-21 defeat.

After the embarrassment of their demolition in first Test, Wales gave a far better account of themselves and even led heading into the final quarter.

Gatland was content with what he views as the first step towards transforming the Welsh into a team that can regularly beat the southern hemisphere heavyweights.

South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and Australia form a daunting autumn schedule and Gatland has drawn inspiration from England's build-up to their 2003 World Cup triumph.

"The challenge facing us next is to beat one of the Tri-Nations teams in a home game. Then we must raise the bar and do it away," he said.

"We're mindful that in 2003 that's what England did. They tried to play the southern hemisphere teams as often as they could on every occasion.

"Winning at Twickenham gave them some confidence which helped them succeed away from home before going on to lift the World Cup.

"If we have ambitions to do that and get better as a team that's the sort of progression we need to take."

Wales entered the series with the advantage of both Tests being played under the old rules that are still in operation in the northern hemisphere.

On the face of it the Experimental Law Variations that have been used by the Springbok players in the Super 14 for the past season should suit Wales' running game.

But Gatland is against the changes that he claims are being driven by the need to revive flagging interest in the sport south of the equator.

"From a Six Nations perspective we feel there is nothing wrong with the game. It's growing in numbers with record crowds year on year," he said.

"It seems to be the southern hemisphere that are keen for the ELVs to go ahead and that's because of the declining popularity of the game

"This can bee seen in reduced attendances and viewing figures. If the game is thriving in the northern hemisphere, why do you need to change the game?

"Under the current rule set if you get a strong referee who runs the breakdown well, you get a good game."

Shaun Edwards, Gatland's trusted lieutenant, believes Wales' ambitious plans will take an enormous effort to be realised - starting with hours of hard work in the gym.

The Welsh pack outweighed South Africa's yet the Springboks looked bigger, leaner and more athletic.

"We've made a vast improvement over the last six months, any fair minded person would say that," said Edwards.

"We've had one blip on that journey which was the first Test against South Africa.

"We're the champions of the northern hemisphere but to take that next step and beat the Tri-Nations sides away will take a lot more extra work.

"We know a lot of that is in the physical department with the fitness guys."