Welsh Rugby

Wales confirm autumn Test line-up

ESPN Staff

Wales will hope to fare better in 2013 against the Pumas than they did in 2012 © PA Photos Enlarge

Wales' 2013 autumn fixtures: Wales v South Africa, Millennium Stadium, November 9, 17.30

Wales v Argentina, November 16, 14.30

Wales v Tonga, November 22, 19.30

Wales have announced their autumn Test schedule with South Africa, Argentina and Tonga all travelling to the Millennium Stadium.

Wales slumped to four straight losses in the 2012 November Tests with interim coach Rob Howley presiding over defeats to Argentina, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia. But they soon buried those demons with a commanding Six Nations performance which saw them bounce back from an opening round loss to Ireland to eventually win the championship in dramatic fashion against England.

Come November, the Welsh Rugby Union will once again welcome the Pumas to Cardiff but before they face Santiago Phelan's men - who have ex-Wales boss and World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry on board in a consultancy capacity - they will host South Africa on November 9.

They conclude their three-Test programme against Tonga, whose win over Scotland last November signified the end of Andy Robinson's tenure, and WRU CEO Roger Lewis is relishing the chance to see the world's best run out in Cardiff.

Lewis said: "Everyone in Welsh rugby is extremely proud of what our international team has achieved so far in 2013 and it is with great excitement that we will go into our 2013 autumn series as reigning Six Nations champions for the second year running.

"There is plenty of rugby to be played this summer, with Wales on tour in Japan and we will all have one eye on the goings on in Australia (the British & Irish Lions tour), but the announcement today of three high quality teams to test us in Cardiff once again this November will sharpen the minds of the players and more than whet the appetite of the fans for another memorable year ahead."

The WRU also announced it has frozen ticket prices for the November Tests while Wales' home Six Nations matches in 2014 against Italy and Scotland will be available at a discounted rate. Lewis added: "This freezing of our autumn series prices and the Six Nations price reduction will assist all of our clubs and fans.

"We want to offer as many people as possible the chance to see Wales at home with this move and clubs and the fans can now start planning ahead with confidence. The WRU wants to play its part in supporting Welsh clubs and fans in these tough economic times."

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