The team that started last year’s quarter-final against Argentina at the Rugby World Cup had 788 caps and included Liam Williams, George North, Josh Adams, Biggar, Gareth Davies and Tomas Francis. None of these players played against Australia and the total number of caps in the Wales XV on Sunday was 289. As noted by statistician Russ Petty, The trio of Biggar, Warburton and Roberts had just nine caps less than the entire Wales XV.

This is a drastic rebuild that will require some pain, as Wales are learning all too well. Here is former captain Warburton: “Sometimes you have to go man for man when we play. By the way, we have some great young players, but do we have enough to dine at the top table of international rugby? It’s not the hard answer.”

It also conditions overseas players

Gatland used Sunday’s press conference to reiterate some points he has made in the past about access to Wales players from the four regions (Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets)

The first concerned conditioning, with Gatland suggesting his players were not at the same level of fitness now as they were during the World Cup when Wales won their group before losing to Argentina.

“I think if we had more control over the players it would make a big difference. If he could spend a bit more time with us to do conditioning and bring him up to the level we think he’ll help, which we know we can do in World Cup campaigns when we’re together for three or four months. Whether it’s something that will be implemented, I don’t know, but it would make a difference.”