His Perpignan teammate James Hook replaced Jamie Roberts against the Pumas, while Mike Phillips also started on the bench.

But Charteris, who left Newport Gwent Dragons in the summer, believes the reigning RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam champions can put it right against Samoa with the help of overseas-based talent.

“If you ask all the boys or you're watching the Top 14 – all the Welsh boys are standing out and they're all playing really well,” said Charteris.

“I think that can only be a good thing for Wales.

“When we signed to go over there we knew we were not available for all the pre-tournament camps and so it's going to be harder for you.

“I think from the coaches' point of view they've got so many players coming through and so many players here, they've picked the best nine on form – that's Tavis [Knoyle].

“They've picked him to play and that's got no relation to whether Mike [Phillips] was in Bayonne or playing in the Ospreys or Cardiff – they've made the decision to pick the best nine.

“And from an individual point of view all we can do is make sure that we're playing better than we were playing over here.”