Following an encouraging European block for the Welsh regions, the United Rugby Championship returns with three rounds of fixtures across the festive period.
It was a chastening day for Wales against South Africa, but amid the autumn campaign there were still some positives for Steve Tandy and his side, despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the domestic game.
Rassie Erasmus says Eben Etzebeth’s red card was justified as the Springboks beat Wales 73–0, with the forward now facing a potential lengthy ban for making contact with the eye of Alex Mann.
South Africa have named a heavily rotated squad for their final Test of the year against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, with scrumhalf Cobus Reinach in line to win his 50th cap.
Wales have been dealt a major setback ahead of Saturday’s Nations Series Test against New Zealand, with experienced back-row forward Aaron Wainwright ruled out.
Their dramatic 24-23 win over Japan can provide Wales with a boost ahead of New Zealand’s visit, while Eddie Jones admitted he ‘wanted to kill someone’ after the Brave Blossoms’ last-minute defeat.
Wales opened their Quilter Nations Series with a heavy 52-28 defeat against Argentina at the Principality Stadium - a result that underlined both Los Pumas’ attacking sharpness and work-ons for the hosts.
Wales captain Jac Morgan is likely to miss the remainder of the Autumn Nations Series after sustaining a suspected dislocated shoulder during his side’s 52-28 defeat to Argentina at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday.
The opening block of fixtures in this season’s United Rugby Championship has drawn to a close and as the league pauses for the Quilter Nations Series, the Welsh regions have plenty to ponder both on and off the field.