The Wales team Warren Gatland should now pick after Australia disaster

The future of Warren Gatland is the primary narrative in Welsh rugby this week following last Sunday's 52-20 drubbing at the hands of Australia.

Such has been the focus on Gatland it is easy to forget Wales are set to face the world champions in just four days time. Despite his uncertain future, Gatland's immediate priority has to be preparing a side who can salvage a modicum of respect from what has been a bitterly disappointing Autumn Nations Series.

As always, selection will be critical. The reality is Wales aren't in a position to make wholesale changes because the strength in depth simply isn't there but he could at least tinker with his starting XV.

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What has been a consistent theme across all 11 defeats is how Wales have struggled to compete physically. There is talent in this Wales squad but they haven't got enough carriers in their side who are capable of making significant post-contact metres in the tighter channels.

Wales have been second best far too often at the contact area and if they found it tough going against Fiji and Australia, the Springboks will be a different level. With that in mind it might be worth Gatland considering Scarlets centre Eddie James at inside centre.

Ben Thomas has worn the number 12 shirt so far this month and while he has shown glimpses of class he has not got the size and the power of James. Make no bones about it, South Africa will target the 10/12 channel with the likes of Damian de Allende running at Gareth Anscombe and Thomas.

England found de Allende extremely hard to contain in their 29-20 defeat to South Africa last Saturday, with the powerful centre running straight through backrower Ben Earl and centre Henry Slade to set up the decisive try. Wales need to be able to stop de Allende on the gainline and I'm not sure Thomas is best placed to do this.

The reality is this weekend is about damaged limitation. Gatland could even move Max Llewellyn inside to 12 and recall Owen Watkin who is an excellent defensive 13.

Scarlets wing Blair Murray is a very dangerous attacking threat but was at fault for Australia's first try last Sunday when he missed a tackle on Wallabies full-back Tom Wright. Given his small stature and the fact Wales are almost certainly going to be playing on the back foot it wouldn't be a surprise if Gatland recalled Rio Dyer or even moved Llewellyn onto the wing where he has played for Gloucester this season.

Up-front Gatland will likely keep the same front-row who started against Australia given how well the scrum went, although Leicester's Nicky Smith is pushing hard for a starting berth. With Adam Beard ruled out due to a knee injury, Christ Tshiunza is almost certain to start at lock.

James Botham was one of Wales' better players against South Africa but Gatland's side could do with some extra size in the backrow so it wouldn't be a surprise if Taine Plumtree were recalled. All in all, the chances of Wales emerging victorious are extremely slim and all Gatland can hope for is that his players can bring some respectability back to Welsh rugby.

Steffan Thomas' Wales XV: Cameron Winnett; Tom Rogers, Max Llewellyn, Eddie James, Rio Dyer; Gareth Anscombe, Rhodri Williams; Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake (C), Archie Griffin, Will Rowlands, Christ Tshiunza, Taine Plumtree, Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright. Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, James Botham, Tommy Reffell, Ellis Bevan, Ben Thomas.