...It’s the ultimate tour assignment of them all after what has been the longest and most arduous season in Welsh rugby history.
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2016 Steinlager Series
11 June 2016 - Eden Park, Auckland
18 June 2016 - Westpac Stadium, Wellington
25 June 2016 - Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Suckers for punishment there is also a midweek game against the Chiefs on the 14th of June in Hamilton...
The midweek game against the Chiefs and a three-Test series with the All Blacks could well mean Wales take a 36-man squad as opposed to the 32-strong party who toured South Africa in the summer of 2014...
Gatland already has some big name casualties in his squad with flanker Justin Tipuric and wing Alex Cuthbert ruled out through injury while full-back Leigh Halfpenny and prop Paul James remain grave injury doubts.
More: Warren Gatland must not take kids to New Zealand because they'll be torn to shreds, says Wales legendThere might also be some doubt over lock Luke Charteris, whose club Racing 92 could well be involved in Top 14 play-off action after beating leaders Clermont Auvergne last weekend, with the three-week series clashing with the Test matches.
... there is an added complication with Charteris’ wife also due to give birth at the end of this month.
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....Here's a check on the players New Zealand bound this summer, those keeping June free in the hope of boarding the flight, those topping Gatland’s bolters list and a medical bulletin on the ones with injury doubts hanging over them.
Well and truly over the foot and hamstring injuries that have blighted his season to become a key tourist for Gatland Down Under.
More: What needs to happen for Ospreys and Scarlets to achieve Guinness Pro12 goals?
George NorthHuw Evans Agency George North playing for WalesBack to his barnstorming best for Wales in the Six Nations Championship and will benefit from having a fortnight off with Northampton Saints last month with a slight knee injury.
More: The passionate verdict on Judgement Day IV from Welsh rugby's most powerful man
Hallam Amos Hallam AmosThe Dragon offers Wales the full-back/wing options that could prove vital for a full-blooded three-Test series with the All Blacks where injuries are a given.
Tom JamesPAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images Tom JamesThe new dad has been a form horse for the Blues, even though he was axed by Gatland in the Six Nations after the win over Scotland.
More: Wales rugby star Tom James pulls out of Judgement Day at the last minute after birth baby boy Jamie RobertsGetty Jamie RobertsA vital cog in Gatland’s gameplan and even more importance put on Roberts given New Zealand midfield stars Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith have hung up their Test boots.
Jonathan Davies Jonathan DaviesAnother member of Gatland’s squad who should be fresher than most for New Zealand given the Clermont centre missed the World Cup after knee surgery.
More: Warren Gatland set to snub Clermont request for Jonathan Davies to miss New Zealand tour
Scott Williams Scott Williams of Scarlets races in to score try against the Dragons at the Principality Stadium on the weekendMade a return to rugby from major knee surgery for the Scarlets on the weekend and played like he’d never been away.
More: Wales star Scott Williams makes try-scoring return for the Scarlets
Gareth AnscombeHuw Evans Picture Agency Gareth Anscombe kicksReturning to his homeland on the back of some impressive displays for the Blues in the No.10 jersey.
Dan Biggar Dan BiggarWales’ premier goal-kicker in the absence of Halfpenny and the master of the aerial battle.
Rhys PriestlandGetty Images Rhys PriestlandLooks to have his mojo back moving from the goldfish bowl of Welsh rugby to Bath.
Rhys WebbHuw Evans Picture Agency Rhys Webb goes over to scoreBack to his brilliant best after missing the World Cup through a foot injury.
More: Ospreys captain Rhys Webb reflects on Judgement Day derby win
Gareth Davies Gareth Davies of Wales scores a tryWales are blessed to have two scrum-halves from the top drawer and the Scarlet will put pressure on Webb Down Under.
Rob Evans Rob Evans of Wales takes on Jonathan Joseph of EnglandKept Gethin Jenkins on the bench during the Six Nations and an unsung hero of the Welsh pack.
Gethin JenkinsGetty Images Gethin Jenkins offloadsShowed there’s plenty of life in the old dog yet on the weekend in Judgement Day.
More: The winners and losers from Judgement Day
Samson LeeHuw Evans Picture Agency Samson Lee during training with WalesTook a bang to the head last weekend but it shouldn’t stop the tough-scrummaging tighthead boarding the plane to New Zealand.
Tomas FrancisGetty Images Tomas FrancisBanned for eight weeks after making contact with the eye of Dan Cole in the Six Nations. Returns next weekend and will be raring to go for the All Blacks trip.
Scott Baldwin Scott BaldwinThe Ospreys hooker has been the workhorse of the Wales pack and has come of age in the front-row over the last 12 months.
Ken OwensHuw Evans Picture Agency Ken OwensLabelled Wales’ super-sub for the number of appearances off the bench, but the Scarlets skipper will be hungry to get a Test start Down Under.
More: Newport Gwent Dragons 20-34 Scarlets match report
Luke CharterisHuw Evans Picture Agency Luke CharterisIn this category for now because of his importance to the squad, but his wife is expecting a child at the end of May putting doubts over making the tour.
Bradley Davies Bradley DaviesBuzzing in the second-row for Wasps this season and with Luke Charteris’ touring situation unclear, could be set for a big summer.
More: The remarkable story of retiring Welsh rugby player who wants to become a West End singing sensation
Jake Ball Jake Ball is tackledHis ball-carrying and workrate has been an important feature for the Scarlets this season.
Dan Lydiate Dan Lydiate is lighter than he wasGatland’s go-to man when fit and firing and sure to be a Test starter against the All Blacks.
Ross Moriarty Ross Moriarty brought power to the Welsh game against ItalyShowed more than enough in his two-try show from the bench against Italy he can offer Wales a ball-carrying edge and a back-row alternative.
Taulupe Faletau Taulupe FaletauSuperlatives have run out for the contribution the truly world class No.8 provides in all departments.
James KingHuw Evans Picture Agency Ltd James King of Ospreys runs in to score a tryHaving a storming end to the season for the Ospreys and his versatility makes him a certain tourist.
More: Five things we learned as outstanding Ospreys blow Cardiff Blues away in final stages of thriller
Keeping summer free in hopeSteff EvansHuw Evans Picture Agency Steff Evans scores a tryHas gas and an eye for the try-line. Made most metres in Judgement Day though has question marks over his defence.
Matthew Morgan Matthew Morgan in action for Wales during the World CupHas had little game time at Bristol in the last few months and will be joining the Blues next season.
Tyler Morgan Tyler Morgan of Newport Gwent Dragons is tackled by Matt Kvesic of GloucesterWhen fit, the athletic youngster has all the potential to become a firm fixture in the Welsh midfield. But has shoulder issues this season to contend with and missed Judgement Day with an ankle problem.
Lloyd Williams Lloyd WilliamsWith Mike Phillips retired, Williams is the man to fill the third-choice scrum-half slot behind Webb and Gareth Davies but could have another Scarlet Davies snapping at his heel. Missed Judgement Day defeat to Ospreys through injury.
Nicky Smith Nicky SmithHis touring chances could well be depend on Paul James’ injury situation for the third loosehead berth.
Aaron JarvisStu Forster/Getty Images Wales front row Aaron JarvisClermont-bound prop likely to fill the third choice tighthead berth with up-and-coming Blues front-rower Dillon Lewis likely to be kept back for the Under-20s World Cup.
Kristian Dacey Kristian Dacey in action against ConnachtBeen Wales’ third man in the hooking department but was overlooked for the World Cup as Gatland went with just Baldwin and Owens.
Josh Turnbull Josh Turnbull scores for Cardiff Blues against the DragonsAn unused member of Gatland’s Six Nations squad this season. In prime form for the Blues and another versatile player who can slot into the back and second-rows.
Ellis JenkinsHuw Evans Picture Agency Ellis Jenkins during trainingHas had respected TV pundit Stuart Barnes raving about him and in the absence of Justin Tipuric would provide back-up for Blues teammate Sam Warburton.
Injury and absentee doubtsLeigh Halfpenny Leigh Halfpenny is not yet ready to returnHoped to be back in action for Toulon at the end of the season but had to undergo fresh surgery on his right knee.
Alun Wyn Jones Alun Wyn Jones doesn't know when he'll play againBack in the middle of March Gatland said the medical advice was Jones needed six weeks off to recover from the heel injury. Not returned yet and situation being monitored week by week.
More: Alun Wyn Jones' brutally honest admission: I should have stopped playing earlier
Sam Warburton Sam Warburton is injuredTook a bang to the shoulder in the Judgement Day clash with the Ospreys. Reported to be a stinger but there will be concerns over previous shoulder problems.
More: Wales captain Sam Warburton gives Warren Gatland injury scare
Paul JamesHuw Evans Picture Agency Paul James of WalesUnderwent eye surgery and the prognosis was a six to 10 week lay-off which will make him a grave doubt for the summer tour.
Ashton Hewitt Newport Gwent Dragons winger Ashton HewittThe Dragons wing was becoming a stronger and stronger candidate for a possible call-up before developing a shoulder problem in March.
Cory AllenHuw Evans Agency Cory Allen is out for the rest of the seasonOut for the season for the Blues with an ankle problem and unable to get the game time for prove his fitness.
Rhys Patchell Rhys Patchell of Cardiff BluesPicked up a hamstring problem last month and could well miss the final match of the season for the Blues.
BoltersJames Davies James DaviesThe outstanding Scarlets flanker has a big decision to make should Gatland come calling as he’s wanted to be part of the GB Sevens squad for the Olympics in Rio.
More: The brilliant Twitter picture that shows James Davies has the Olympics on his mind
Owen WilliamsGetty Images Owen Williams of LeicesterThe Leicester Tiger would really be a bolt out of the blue given the intense competition for the 10 shirt.
Owen WatkinHuw Evans Picture Agency Owen Watkin of Ospreys takes on Rhys Ruddock of LeinsterOspreys centre Watkin may have to bide his time with the World Rugby U20 Championship next month being his likely action.
Elliot Dee Elliot DeeCould well put pressure on Blues hooker Kristian Dacey as back-up for Scott Baldwin and Ken Owens.
Hanno Dirksen Hanno Dirksen of Ospreys wins the ball from Josh Navidi of Cardiff BluesHas a history of knee problems but when fit and on the field a tough wing to stop. Scored two tries on Judgement Day against Cardiff Blues being picking up injury.
Sam DaviesHuw Evans Picture Agency Ltd Sam Davies kicks a penaltyHas filled in with aplomb for Dan Biggar this season and has all the attributes to be a No.10 of the highest order. Voted as the Ospreys player of the year.
More: Ospreys outside-half Sam Davies completes the double at annual presentation ceremony
Aled Davies© Huw Evans Agency Aled Davies of ScarletsAn unused player in the Six Nations Championship and battling with Lloyd Williams for the third scrum-half slot.
Dillon LewisHuw Evans Picture Agency Dillon Lewis in action against France u20sAnother who is likely to be heading off to the World Rugby U20 Championship.
Dominic Day Dominic DayHeading off to Japanese rugby from Bath this summer after being a shock call-up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad.
Rory ThorntonHuw Evans Picture Agency Rory ThorntonWith the second row situation anything but sorted out, the young Ospreys may well go for midweek experience against the Waikato Chiefs.
Thomas Young Thomas Young in action against NorthamptonGetting some high profile backers for a Welsh call-up given his stellar rise through the Wasps ranks this season.
Eli WalkerHuw Evans Picture Agency Ltd Eli WalkerStruggling for form at the Ospreys and a real outsider to add to his one cap to date.
Definite non-startersAlex CuthbertHuw Evans Picture Agency Alex Cuthbert in action for the Cardiff BluesWill sit out the New Zealand trip, as he faces three months on the sidelines to resolve a tendon issue in his right knee.
More: Alex Cuthbert out of Wales' tour to New Zealand as winger undergoes knee surgery
Justin TipuricHuw Evans Picture Agency Justin Tipuric is treated by Dr Geoff Davies and Prav MathemaThe Ospreys openside he needs three months off to recover fully from the concussion he suffered during Wales’ final Six Nations game against Italy.
Dan BakerHuw Evans Picture Agency Dan BakerWent under the knife last month for surgery on his shoulder ruling the Ospreys No.8 out of action until next season.
