THE ‘silent assassins’ are keeping schtum with Warren Gatland happy to fly under the radar with Wales in World Cup year.

A win against South Africa tomorrow (kick-off 5.20pm) would earn Wales’ first autumn clean sweep and make it nine Test wins on the spin.

Gatland’s men are third in World Rugby’s rankings but are only being mentioned as outsiders for Japan 2019 with much of the focus on the top two of New Zealand and Ireland plus past winners Australia, England and the Springboks.

The head coach has masterminded a winning streak while rotating his side to build depth and his efforts led to his opposite number for the November finale, Rassie Erasmus, to label Wales as “silent assassins”.

When asked if Wales hadn’t got enough credit for their recent exploits, Gatland replied: “I don’t really care. We are just getting on with our business.

“We’re not worried at all what anyone else is saying about us or thinking. We have a group of players that are working incredibly hard and a group of older players who have been around for a bit of time who know that this is probably their last opportunity.

“They are really motivated and want to do well. I just see the effort players are putting in on and off the field.

“I keep saying that we are in a really good place with the depth we are creating and we are pretty confident we can have a good 12 months.”

Erasmus’ tag didn’t prompt a loud declaration of intent from Wales.

“We are in a good place at the moment, we’re just trying to keep out heads down, try not to say too much, just get on with our business,” said Gatland.

“We know what we’re doing in the next 12 months. If we keep going under the radar that will be good.”

Gatland has rung the changes after last week’s crushing 74-24 win against Tonga with just two retained – lock Adam Beard and Liam Williams, who moves from the wing to full-back in the absence of Leigh Halfpenny (concussion).

Wales give those that produced the goods against Australia the chance to repeat the trick with Cardiff Blues fly-half Gareth Anscombe preferred to Dan Biggar, who is on the bench, and Rhys Patchell.

“Gareth is starting to show some real maturity and we have been really pleased with him," said Gatland.

The absence of Halfpenny means that the playmaker will also have responsibility from the tee.

“Goal kicking is a massively important aspect of the game,” said Gatland. “Throughout the campaign we have been talking to the players about the next 12 months and their point of difference.

“There's no doubt that last week Dan Biggar’s goal kicking was a point of difference and we spoke as coaches when selecting the side that this is a big game and there will be pressure on Gareth.

“He has been kicking well this year. His percentages have been good but we all know it is more difficult under pressure in a big game, but that is part of the reason for picking him as well.”

Wales: L Williams (Saracens); G North (Ospreys), J Davies (Scarlets), H Parkes (Scarlets), J Adams (Worcester); G Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), G Davies (Scarlets); N Smith (Ospreys), K Owens (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), A Beard (Ospreys), A W Jones (Ospreys, captain), D Lydiate (Ospreys), J Tipuric (Ospreys), R Moriarty (Dragons).

Replacements: E Dee (Dragons), R Evans (Scarlets), D Lewis (Cardiff Blues), C Hill (Dragons), E Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), T Williams (Cardiff Blues), D Biggar (Northampton), O Watkin (Ospreys).