WARREN Gatland has expressed his disappointment that wing Josh Adams and tighthead Tomas Francis had to join up with Wales late after being denied the chance to play against South Africa by Premiership Rugby.

Worcester speedster Adams and Exeter prop Francis have been called back into the touring party for the two Tests against Argentina.

That comes after they were withdrawn from the squad along with Bath's former Dragons lock Luke Charteris because they couldn't travel to Washington to feature in last weekend's clash with the Springboks.

The game, which Wales sneaked 22-20, was played outside World Rugby's Test window and clubs are not obliged to release their players.

The same is the case for the fourth autumn Test and in the Six Nations the English-based contingent go back in fallow weeks.

The Rugby Services Agreement between the Dragons, Ospreys, Scarlets and Cardiff Blues and the Welsh Rugby Union means regional players are available but those that ply their trade elsewhere are not.

Adams is back in the mix after Scarlets wing Steff Evans injured his knee against the Boks while Francis is a welcome addition with Samson Lee struggling because of a back issue.

But Gatland is frustrated that his players were denied the chance to stake a claim for a World Cup spot in all three Tests of the tour.

"Everyone else is playing three games – England are playing four – and we finish our tour a week earlier," said Gatland.

"I understand completely what PRL are trying to do in the autumn when we organise a fourth international. They're protecting their own competition. Players go back during the Six Nations down weeks and I understand that too.

"I just can't understand why they would stop players from joining us a week or two early when the season is finished and they're going to be back with their clubs early, anyway.

"It's a sad indictment on the politics of the game. I understand and accept completely the views on the other stuff, but this one just doesn't make sense to me."

Evans' injury means that Wales will make at least one change to their back three for the clash with the Pumas in San Juan on Saturday (kick-off 7.40pm).

The Dragons' Hallam Amos is likely to stay at full-back after scoring against the Boks, although he will be frustrated at conceding an intercept try, but there are options on the wings.

George North could return to the left flank after starting in midfield against South Africa while Adams could be preferred to Tom Prydie on the right.

The Worcester winger made his Test debut against Scotland in the Six Nations but was dropped for the more experienced Liam Williams after struggling in the air against England in the Twickenham rain.

Prydie, who joined the Scarlets from the Dragons last summer, won his first cap in five years on the right against South Africa.

The specialist quartet are backed up by fly-halves Gareth Anscombe and Rhys Patchell, who both have experience at 15.

The return of Francis is a huge boost ahead of the double-header with the strong-scrummaging Pumas.

Cardiff Blues' Dillon Lewis started against South Africa but Rhodri Jones, who returned to his favoured loosehead last season, struggled as his replacement.

After edging to victory against a new-look South Africa, Gatland knows his charges must improve in Argentina.

"It's going to be tough isn't it?" said Gatland. "They look like they're playing with confidence.

"In Super Rugby, they've won for the first time in New Zealand, they've won their last seven games or something like that.

"We spoke about this being a learning experience for the players so we got off to a good start but we're going to have to improve.

"A lot of guys have had to step up from a leadership point of view. Gareth [Anscombe], Ellis [Jenkins], Cory [Hill], and that's good."