Each coaches are in difficult jobs coming into the summer season sequence, with ninth-placed Australia enjoying a Wales facet one place decrease on the earth rankings.
Gatland has six wins and 13 defeats in his second stint in command of Wales.
There have been seven successive losses since final 12 months’s World Cup, the place Gatland’s facet reached the quarter-finals.
After Australia’s humiliating World Cup pool exit, which included a file 40-6 defeat towards Wales in Lyon, Eddie Jones stop and the Wallabies have turned to Schmidt.
This summer season represents the start of a vital few years for Australian rugby, with the British and Irish Lions touring subsequent 12 months earlier than they host the 2027 World Cup.
Gatland expects Schmidt to have a direct impact regardless of having spent solely a few weeks together with his new squad.
“I noticed one thing the place he mentioned he has by no means felt so unprepared, however that may work in two methods,” mentioned Gatland.
“This can be a fairly vital start line for them, with the Lions coming subsequent 12 months and the World Cup in 2027.
“He’ll deliver construction and organisation for them, some continuity and self-belief.
“He is put a very good teaching group along with Mike Cron, Laurie Fisher and Geoff Parling.
“They’re extremely skilled guys who’re effectively revered within the recreation. Hopefully issues go effectively for Australia, however not within the subsequent couple of weeks.”
Schmidt can also be wanting ahead to the reunion.
“I’ve recognized Gats (Gatland) for a very long time, we performed towards one another and I even performed a few video games with him,” he mentioned.
“I do know Gats will spark the feelings and he could have a really passionate Welsh group on the market on Saturday evening.”
