A media clamour brought speculation that Gatland would look to the future in calling up not just teenage wing George North but also throwing Richie Rees and Dan Biggar together at nine and ten.

But after keeping faith with Jones and Phillips, Gatland insists the Welsh faithful can expect the pair to more than justify their selection.

“There has been a bit of banter in the team about them getting a bit of criticism, but I haven’t personally read any of the articles myself,” Gatland stressed.

“You now have two quality players who know they are under a bit of pressure and who now have the opportunity to go out and perform.

“We know they both have experience of playing against South Africa and of doing so with the Lions and we just felt there was a chance to put them under pressure.

“They need a big game and they are very aware of that, as are all of us.

“But we have picked two guys, who, defensively, are fantastic and we know what’s going to come at us on Saturday.”