They face World Cup holders South Africa and the Boks’ fellow Tri-Nations heavyweights New Zealand and Australia.

Sandwiched in between is a clash with Canada, a match Gatland’s men are certainly expected to win.

But it’s the big three which are firmly on the Kiwi’s radar with his aim being for Wales to consistently compete with the best.

It’s the Springboks who Wales open up against this autumn, for the Prince William Cup, and Gatland is desperate to mastermind what would only be his adopted country’s second victory over South Africa in more than a century of Tests.

Wales’ sole victory over the Republic came in 1999 and their record against New Zealand is equally shocking, stretching back to 1953 for a last triumph.

There has been just one victory, in 2005, and a draw the following year against Australia since the 1987 World Cup third-place play-off.

Gatland will naturally want Wales to win every Test, but, secretly, he might be happy if they were to account for Canada and two out of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

Such results would put Wales on course to defend their RBS 6 Nations title next year.