Warren Gatland is said to be privately optimistic that with a raft of experience returning and maturing youngsters, Wales will be competitive
Scarlets secured a third successive win in the United Rugby Championship by beating Zebre Parma 30-8 in Llanelli.
Wales's autumn prospects are boosted by returning stars, but their first job is to end a nine-Test losing run.
Springboks great Albert van den Berg says he would love to put one over on his former coach Jake White.
.Scarlets produced a stunning defensive display to claim their first United Rugby Championship win of the season by beating Cardiff 25-19 in the capital.
With the Welsh regions on special measures financially and struggling, should Warren Gatland cast his net further afield?
After two tough years at the helm, the former scrum-half can see brighter times ahead for Scarlets.
The Ospreys completed the double over west Wales rivals Scarlets as they won their first league game at Parc Y Scarlets since 2015 with a 25-11 triumph.
Warren Gatland has called up uncapped back row forward Taine Plumtree to Wales’ World Cup training squad for a two-week camp in Switzerland.