WALES will host the All Blacks and World champions South Africa, following heavyweights Australia and Fiji in this year’s Autumn Nations Series at the Principality Stadium.
On Saturday October 30th, the might All Blacks will be making their first appearance in Cardiff since 2017, with the last defeat from Wales back in 1953, will Pivac squad make a change of history in this fixture?
The Springboks will arrive the following week, Saturday November 6th, with Wales having won the last four encounters the sides have had at the Principality Stadium.
Next in line is Pacific Islanders, Fiji, who are known to display a game with the exciting brand of rugby on Sunday November 14th.
The final fixture against the Wallabies set the following Saturday will determine a thrilling weekend finish to the series, with a chance for Wales to seal a hat-trick on consecutive wins against Australia for just the second time since the two teams first met in 1908.
All fixtures are currently set for the return of supporters seen at live sporting events as the Welsh Rugby Union says, “there is a confidence that the Autumn Nations Series 2021 will see the return of supporters to the Principality Stadium”.
Steve Phillips, WRU chief executive announces, “It is our aim and ambition to deliver the Autumn Nations series with full crowds.”
The Governments continuous fight against coronavirus has put in place a new digital ticketing system in place to track and trace more effectively. A Principality Stadium ticket app has been in the making for the past year and has been created by Tixserve.
Wayne Pivac, Wales Coach who led Wales to the title of the Six Nations this season said, “There is no doubt this is a huge Autumn series fixture list, and we are already looking forward to it, especially with the prospect of having supporters back at the Principality Stadium.”
“It would be close to 21 months since we have had the chance to play in front of our fans at home stadium, so it is hugely exciting to have the fixtures announced and I hope it excites the rugby public. It will be a big campaign against quality opposition, but we see it as another opportunity to test ourselves while we continue on our journey to France 2023.”
“As a group we haven’t faced a Southern Hemisphere side yet with last year’s Summer tour cancelled and Autumn series rejigged so we are looking forward to welcoming all four sides to Cardiff for what will be four huge test matches.”
Tickets are on sale to WRU member clubs, debenture holders and premium members starting from today; alongside this the WRU are hoping to hit the target of 100% capacity in the Summer.