Wales’ Autumn International Series: Fixtures, Squad, and Form Guide

Following last year’s World Cup hiatus, autumn international rugby returns, with Wales hoping for a renewed start. The team is currently on a nine-Test losing streak and aims to prevent this from becoming the worst run in Welsh rugby history. However, there are positive signs, including a recent non-cap victory against the Queensland Reds, strong performances by Welsh regions in the United Rugby Championship, and the return of several key players. Below is a comprehensive guide to the upcoming autumn Test series. Wales has secured victories in their last six encounters with Fiji, yet the memory of the significant 2007 World Cup defeat continues to evoke concern. The subsequent fixture resulted in a draw, marking Fiji’s sole occasion of avoiding defeat in Cardiff. Last year’s memorable World Cup match in Nantes was considered one of the tournament’s highlights, where Wales narrowly triumphed 32-26, only after Semi Radradra dropped the ball with an open try line in the game’s final moments. Fiji arrives in Cardiff this week following a substantial loss to Scotland on Saturday. Head coach Mick Byrne is expected to emphasize discipline, as his team received two yellow cards within the first 14 minutes of their match at Murrayfield. The contest for the James Bevan Trophy between Wales and Australia has historically seen fluctuating control. In the initial 70 years of their rivalry, Wales won six of eight matches. However, since a Welsh victory at the 1987 World Cup, Australia has largely dominated, with 28 wins compared to Wales’ six. More recently, Wales has won four of the last seven Tests, and the 2006 match concluded in a 29–29 draw, the second highest-scoring draw ever recorded. The Wallabies, under new head coach Joe Schmidt, are also undergoing a rebuilding phase; they secured wins in both summer Tests but subsequently finished last in the Rugby Championship, which included a record 67-27 defeat to Argentina. Warren Gatland will be closely observing the Wallabies’ tour opener against England at Twickenham this Saturday. The final opponent at the Principality Stadium will be the formidable reigning world champions and Rugby Championship winners, South Africa. There was a period when Gatland’s strategy proved effective against the Springboks, leading to five victories between 2014 and 2018. Since then, South Africa has won six of the last seven matches, with the last two being by considerable margins, occurring amidst Gatland’s rebuilding efforts for the Welsh squad. By the time the Springboks arrive in Cardiff for their season’s final international – following matches against Scotland and England – the fixture could be a test of endurance for both teams. Since their win against Georgia in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup, Wales has experienced nine consecutive Test defeats: Wales 17-29 Argentina (World Cup) Wales 26-27 Scotland England 16-14 Wales Ireland 31-7 Wales Wales 24-45 France Wales 21-24 Italy South Africa 41-13 Wales Australia 25-16 Wales Australia 36-28 Wales The 35-man Welsh squad includes uncapped players Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray. Gatland has also recalled experienced individuals such as Gareth Anscombe, Will Rowlands, Nicky Smith, and Tomos Williams. Notably, 31-year-old Dragons scrum-half Rhodri Williams has received a surprise recall, more than a decade after his last Wales cap. Dewi Lake will continue as captain, despite the return of Jac Morgan, who missed the summer tour. Ben Carter has withdrawn due to injury, and Wales will also be without Six Nations captain Dafydd Jenkins, British and Irish Lions trio Taulupe Faletau, Josh Adams, and Liam Williams, as well as the recently retired Gareth Davies. Forwards: Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Teddy Williams, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Taine Plumtree, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright. Backs: Tomos Williams, Rhodri Williams, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow, Gareth Anscombe, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Max Llewellyn, Eddie James, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady, Blair Murray, Rio Dyer, Josh Hathaway, Tom Rogers, Cameron Winnett. Live commentary for the matches will be available on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, and BBC Sounds, with live text coverage provided on the BBC Sport website and app. The schedule for the autumn Test series is as follows: Sunday 10 November (13:40 GMT) Wales v Fiji Sunday 17 November (16:10 GMT) Wales v Australia Saturday 23 November (17:40 GMT) Wales v South Africa