Gatland admits it is a chance for players to make an impression ahead of fixtures with New Zealand and Australia later this month.

And Newport Gwent Dragons lock Luke Charteris could be one of those who fits the bill.

The 6ft 9in forward makes his first Test appearance for a year, having impressed in Heineken Cup and Magners League action this season.

Gatland said: “The carrot is to be selected for the last two games.

“The exciting thing is youngsters coming in and playing well - there is no comfort zone for anyone.

“Luke has been playing well for the Dragons. He has been winning a lot of ball and calling the lineouts, making good decisions.

“We’ve got to use some of that ability and his height. His play about the field has impressed us as well.”

Wales struggled in the lineouts against South Africa, suggesting a powerful performance by 25-year-old Charteris on Friday could catapult him into contention against the All Blacks next week.

He added: “Every time I go out, I am looking to perform and play the best I can.

“I am happy with my form, the Dragons are playing well and I had a good pre-season, working really hard.

“My fitness is good, which has allowed me to make a big contribution. The new rules also suit me in terms of opening up the game a bit more.

“I thought the South Africa game was a mark of the progress the team has made.

“We were disappointed with the result. Whereas we would have been happy with that in the past, now we’re devastated, which shows where we are.

“Our fitness was superb, and we will be looking to build on that and get a win to take it forward.”

Wales kicking coach Neil Jenkins, meanwhile, has hailed fly-half James Hook’s ice-cool temperament and his “absolutely fantastic” comeback from the depths of despair against South Africa.

Hook returns to the Millennium Stadium on Friday, just six days after his intercepted pass effectively cost Wales a famous victory over the Springboks.

Centre Jean de Villiers accepted Hook’s gift - the Ospreys star’s first touch after he went on as a second-half substitute - racing more than 50 metres to claim a simple try.

Fly-half Ruan Pienaar slotted the easy conversion and South Africa held on for a five-point win despite Hook then kicking four penalties and delivering an immaculate tactical display.

Jenkins said: “I’ve watched James from a young kid growing up, and he just seems to brush mistakes aside.

“He was devastated by what happened with his first touch, conceding seven points, but from then on he was absolutely fantastic.

“He took the ball to the line, defended well and kicked well. He was a threat all the time he was on the pitch.

“To recover when an incident like that one was your first touch was pretty impressive stuff.

“He seems to have that composure. If it’s a kick to win a match or something, he does it - he has an ability to blank out what has gone before and just live for that moment.

“He played some great rugby when he went on against South Africa.”