IT HAS been a turbulent few months for the Wallabies but Warren Gatland doesn't expect Wales' task to be any easier in their autumn opener.

Gatland hasn't got the better of Australia with Wales for six years but the tourists, who are aiming for a 10th win on the spin against their hosts, are not a settled team.

The Aussies have arrived in Europe with a new coach – former Leinster boss Michael Cheika – after Ewen McKenzie suddenly quit amid a scandal that saw Kurtley Beale slapped with a five-figure fine for sending an offensive text to the then team manager.

But Gatland believes the Wallabies will be in a stronger position once the dust settles.

"A lot of people have been talking about what's happened with Kurtley Beale and those sort of things, does that make them more vulnerable? With Australians, it makes them stronger," said the New Zealander.

"They thrive on any adversity and any criticism, and we are expecting a really tough game.

"I have got a massive amount of respect for what Michael has achieved. He is the only coach who has won a European Cup and a Super Rugby title.

"What he did with Leinster was incredibly impressive, and what he has done with New South Wales, turned them around in a pretty short time.

"I think by his own admission, it is going to take a little bit of time, but having watched him and seen him operate, it won't be that long.

"He plays a really positive brand of rugby, he gets his point across pretty succinctly and he is pretty honest with the players, and they appreciate that.

"In 10 months' time, when they turn up for the World Cup, I think they will be a real outfit to contend with."

Gatland believes Australia, South Africa and New Zealand know they cannot afford to be off their game in Cardiff.

He said: "When we play these southern hemisphere teams now, they come fully-loaded. They don't look at putting second-string sides out against us, and maybe they do that against one or two of the other Six Nations teams.

"When they play Wales, I think there is a sign of respect that there are no second-string players playing against us. We know we are up against the best, and that's exactly how we want it."

Gatland revealed that all of his French contingent will be available for the South Africa game, which takes place outside of the IRB's Test window.