So an inexperienced Wales staff taking up a South Africa facet the place lock Eben Etzebeth has extra caps (119) than the complete Wales beginning pack (118).
The Springboks may also be lacking a couple of gamers, however will nonetheless have 10 World Cup winners of their match-day squad.
“It’s a part of the problem,” mentioned Gatland.
“For those who begin doubting your self you will have to have the ability to overcome these kinds of challenges.
“Check match rugby is hard and bodily, you’ve got to have the ability to deal with adversity.
“It’s in all probability not the politically right factor in the mean time in in the present day’s society, however it’s important to be mentally robust.
“It’s important to undergo that ache typically and be capable to come out the opposite facet.
“There’s nothing improper with that. It’s important to be courageous and overcome your worry issue.
“You’re going on the market and enjoying towards large males, it’ll harm and it’s important to undergo some ache.
“There are going to be a lot of totally different feelings and issues to problem your self on, get via that and are available out the opposite facet.”
Gatland believes some younger Wales gamers have already benefitted from being uncovered on the worldwide stage.
“We’ve got some people within the facet who love that problem and thrive on it like Dewi Lake and Dafydd Jenkins,” mentioned Gatland.
“They will not stroll away from a problem, they run in direction of it and see it as one thing they thrive on when it comes to assembly it head on.”
Gatland has spoken about Wales gaining some respect and hopes they will obtain that towards the Springboks this weekend.
“We aren’t very skilled when it comes to the variety of caps and guys on the bench,” mentioned Gatland.
“There’s an incredible alternative for this staff to exit and carry out after we have been coaching and dealing exhausting.”
