Powell had fallen out of the national set up since being disciplined for driving a golf buggy while over the legal limit after Wales’ 31-24 RBS 6 Nations defeat of Scotland and has since crossed the Severn Bridge to join Wasps.

But Gatland’s stance against players who have left Wales to play their club rugby appears to have softened with Powell in contention for a starting place after missing the 25-16 defeat to Australia because it fell outside the IRB international window.

Wales have lost their last 11 Tests against World Champions South Africa and will still be missing the likes of Leigh Halfpenny and Jamie Roberts through injury.