Wales to host New Zealand, South Africa in autumn internationals

Wales have not beaten New Zealand since 1953 

REUTERS: Wales will look to end a 68-year winless run against New Zealand when they host the All Blacks as part of their autumn internationals this year, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) said on Monday.

Wayne Pivac’s side will host four test matches at Principality Stadium, kicking off their campaign against New Zealand on 30 Oct. as they seek their first win in the fixture since 1953.

Wales then face world champions South Africa on 6 Nov. 

The Springboks won the last meeting between the two sides at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, but Wales have triumphed on each of the last four occasions the two sides have met at Principality Stadium.

Six Nations champions Wales then take on Fiji on 14 Nov. before concluding their campaign against Australia six days later.

“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 Principality Stadium,” Pivac said.

“It will be a big campaign against quality opposition, but we see it as another opportunity to test ourselves. As a group, we haven’t faced a Southern Hemisphere side yet, so we are looking forward to welcoming all four sides to Cardiff.” 

The schedule for the 2021 series: 

30 Oct. – Wales v New Zealand. 

6 Nov. – Wales v South Africa.

14 Nov. – Wales v Fiji.

20 Nov. – Wales v Australia.