Warren Gatland has taken Wales to one Word Cup semi-final, but less than a year out from the next tournament he believes he has a stronger squad than at any time during his 11 years in charge.
The Wales coach is spoiled for choice in many positions and whilst Ireland may be setting a higher benchmark by beating New Zealand, Gatland’s team are also showing themselves to be tournament contenders.
The Kiwi says it will be a difficult task picking a team to face South Africa this week, but another victory would be worth all the effort.
Not only would a win cement Wales’ position as the third-ranked team in the world, but it would give them an autumn clean sweep for the first time since four fixtures were regularly included in the calendar.
Gatland made 14 changes to his side and still beat Tonga 74-24 in their most recent autumn international at the weekend and they are now unbeaten in eight Tests.
But he believes the complexity of his selection job is to be appreciated rather than regarded as a problem.
“It’s not about it being tough – it’s nice to have those headaches,” he says. “The hardest thing for me about selection is the players who miss out. I know how disappointed they are.
“There are definitely going to be some disappointed players next week. Absolutely, this is the most competitive squad we’ve had. We have always spoken about creating depth, and we’ve done that.
“The pleasing thing for me now is I can pick a bench knowing they are going to have a strong impact as well. Then there are guys who are missing out on the match-day 23 and are really disappointed because they think they are good enough to be involved.”
Gatland will stand down as Wales head coach after next year’s tournament in Japan, with Scarlets’ Wayne Pivac already confirmed as his replacement.
With Gatland’s departure date already set, the 55-year-old has turned his attention to leaving the Wales team in the strongest position he can for his successor.
“I think going forwards, Welsh rugby is in a good place,” said Gatland. “We’ve spoken about the next eight to 10 months, and for all of us as a coaching set-up, we’ve said that when we leave, we want to leave the squad in the best possible position.
“That means being successful up to and at the World Cup. It’s been a good autumn. Next week is going to be very important for us and if we can win that, then we’ve gone a couple of campaigns unbeaten.
“The pleasing thing for me is we are creating momentum, self belief and confidence. The squad is in a really good place mentally and there is some real competition.
“I think whoever is involved against South Africa will see it as a big opportunity.”
Gatland’s biggest selection calls for South Africa are at fly-half, lock, and in the back three. Playmakers Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar and Rhys Patchell have all had fine campaigns to date.
Leigh Halfpenny remains a doubt with concussion and his potential absence could see Liam Williams move to full-back with George North and Josh Adams on the wing.
Jake Ball staked his claim to partner Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones in the second row against South Africa with an impressive showing versus Tonga.
“South Africa have gone more direct in recent games and I have no doubt that is what will be coming next Saturday. A clean sweep is a huge driving factor for us,” said Ball.