GARETH HANDED BIG WELSH GOAL BY GATLAND

WARREN GATLAND laid down the gauntlet to Gareth Anscombe after handing him Wales’ crucial playmaker role against South Africa. Gatland’s men have had straight wins over Scotland, Australia and Tonga and the Boks represent a chance for a first autumnal clean sweep.

Anscombe (below) will start tomorrow’s game at fly-half, edging Dan Biggar for the coveted No.10 jersey for the first time in a vital game where both men have been available.

Liam Williams starts at full-back in place of the concussed Leigh Halfpenny in the only change from the Wales side which ended a 10-year wait to beat the Wallabies.

New Zealand-born Anscombe will kick goals in Halfpenny’s absence and Gatland said: “It is about trying to give Gareth some confidence. He made a big decision to leave New Zealand for Wales and it has taken a bit of time for him to settle in and earn respect.

“But he is starting to show some real maturity and we have been really pleased with him.”

■ JOE SCHMIDT is still agonising over committing his long-term future to Ireland or returning to New Zealand.

The head coach’s Ireland contract expires after next year’s World Cup, and the 53-year-old could then step into the Kiwis’ coaching ranks.

“It’s a decision that will probably not be finalised until Sunday, really,” said Schmidt, ahead of Ireland’s match against USA tomorrow.

“But it’s a decision that’s been a long time coming.”