The RBS 6 Nations title holders launch their November programme against world champions South Africa on Saturday.

Then, after what should prove the relative comfort of a Friday night appointment with Canada, the Dragons face the Springboks’ fellow southern hemisphere superpowers New Zealand and Australia.

History suggests Wales will struggle, having beaten the Tri-Nations giants just twice from 31 attempts since rugby union’s professional era dawned in 1995.

The only victories during that period came against South Africa in 1999 and Australia six years later, while the catalogue of defeats features several hefty losses.

Former Wales captain Evans though, sees the next month as a chance for Gatland’s men to show their quality opposite some formidable global talent.

“I think Warren has looked to strengthen the squad to make sure he has more options available to him,” said Evans.

“And the four games will test those playing resources and that depth in the squad.

“Playing four games back to back is a tough proposition at international level, particularly when three of them are against South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

“But it is a great opportunity for us. There were encouraging signs in the second Test against South Africa during the summer. We know South Africa, we’ve played them twice recently and we know we can score tries against them.

“It is a challenge, but it is one Wales look to be increasingly more comfortable with.

“We need to get out of our blocks quickly, but taking on and beating one of these nations would be great for the confidence of the squad and for Welsh rugby generally.

“It would bring a spring to the step. Canada apart, which we would expect to win, who knows what might happen if we win the first game against South Africa?”

One Welsh player who will look to build on his summer tour experience is scrum-half Gareth Cooper.

Selected ahead of the more experienced Dwayne Peel this weekend, it underlined how Gatland is prepared to reward form above reputation.

Gloucester number nine Cooper starred during the second Test defeat in Pretoria five months ago, and Gatland said: “We worked hard on some areas of his game in South Africa and we are pleased with the progress he made as a scrum-half.

“Dwayne isn’t playing as well at the moment.

“By his own standards, he had a relatively poor game (for Sale Sharks) against Munster recently, and was taken off early in the second half.

“He has had a shoulder injury, and that hindered him for a while. It does take players to find form and confidence sometimes.”