“I spoke to all the Home Union coaches prior to departure and explained our thinking and they were all supportive.”

Wales’ Cory Hill, Kristian Dacey, Gareth Davies and Tomas Francis joined the squad this afternoon following their Test against Tonga in Auckland last night.

In addition to the earlier announcement, following the conclusion of Australia versus Scotland, the British & Irish Lions have called up Allan Dell and Finn Russell. The duo will link up with the squad in Hamilton tomorrow (Sunday).

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Gatland said: “We have said all along that we need to give ourselves the best chance of winning the Test series and that could potentially involve calling up players.

“Bringing in these players from an identical time zone, who can hit the ground running and step straight in rather than having to adjust following long-haul travel will help us manage players before the 1st Test, give us quality training numbers to prepare properly as well as offering us options for selection for the Chiefs match.”

The Welsh quartet will attend the game against the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua this evening.

Gatland added: “These are players currently on international duty who we are looking forward to welcoming into the Tour party as we did with several players in 2013. I spoke to all the Home Union coaches prior to departure and explained our thinking and they were all supportive.”