Rugby World Cup: All roads lead to Marseille after special night for Wales in Lyon

That squad met up in May but there was more upheaval with the retirements of Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric and an injury to Six Nations skipper Owens.

Gatland moved towards youth and went back to basics with gruelling training camps in Switzerland and Turkey and he is starting to reap the rewards.

The Wales boss made some bold predictions before the tournament started. Wales were going to “shock people” and achieve “something special” in France he said. So far, his sentiments have been more than backed up by results.

The bonus-point victories against Fiji and Portugal have been followed up by this demolition job against Australia.

“We’ve been together for four months now,” said Gatland.

“You know you can put the detail, preparation and hard work in that we always pride ourselves on. We’re such a small nation as a tier-one nation in terms of playing numbers.

“We’re proud our success has been based on hard work and punching above our weight. We get confidence from results like the one against Australia and building momentum. That makes us even more dangerous going forward.”

Gatland says the Wallabies result was for the whole squad.

“The message against Australia wasn’t about the starting XV or 23 – it’s a squad of 33, coaches and staff,” said Gatland.

“Everyone has made a lot of sacrifices in the last four months, we’ve got some great people in this environment.

“A lot of family and loved ones have been following us as well. The message from me beforehand was ‘you get what you deserve in life’ from putting that hard work and effort in.

“We’ve been through some pain and tough times. We’ve pushed some players right to the edge and they’ve fronted up.

“We’ve got a brilliant balance in this group in terms of taking the mickey out of each other and some real banter.

“When they’re asked to front up and perform at training, they get their heads on and knuckle down. I’m happy with the environment. Hopefully that continues over the next couple of weeks.”