Before Wales head off to San Juan and Santa Fe to face Argentina in a two test series, they will first make a stop in Washington DC to play a warm up game against South Africa. This isn’t the first time an exhibition game such as this has been played on US soil; Ireland famously got their first win against the All Blacks in 2016 at Chicago’s Soldier Field in front of 61,000 fans. The success of that event has led to more chances for Ireland to take the game to the States, which will see them face Italy in Soldier Field later this year as part of a triple header with USA Men’s Eagles playing Maori All Blacks and USA Women’s Eagles facing the Black Ferns.

It’s no surprise then that the WRU would want to jump on the USA bandwagon, after all the benefits are enticing. Not only is it a good opportunity to tap into a huge market and make a bit of cash, but bringing the game to a tier two nation is always going to make you look good. However, some are questioning if the match has been organised in the best possible way.

Firstly is the date of the game, which takes place just a week after Scarlets’ Pro14 final and will likely result in both Wales and the Springboks putting out 2nd or 3rd string sides. The match also falls right in the middle of one of America’s top rugby tournaments, the Collegiate Rugby Championship. This national Sevens tournament is one of the most popular in the country and is broadcast live on ESPN and has a healthy attendance record, meaning there’s a large possibility of a divided audience. Lastly there’s the ground the game is to be played in, the RFK stadium. Filmed crumbling in 2014 and tenantless since late 2017, the place is actually due for demolition and according to some local residents, should have been many years ago. This match will likely be the event ever held in the historic ground which has stood since the 1960s. With 12,000 tickets sold as of last month, it’s unlikely the crowd will fill even half of the ground’s 45,596 seats.

As for the match itself, there’s more cause for optimism for Wales fans. Despite likely being without a majority of their Scarlets players, having the Challenge Cup winning combo of Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe available as well as the Ospreys-bound George North, rising star Owen Watkin and what can only be described as a treasure trove of depth in the back row, there’s confidence that Wales will be able to play both exciting and effective rugby. Wales also have recent form on their side, beating South Africa in three out of their last four matches.

Despite South Africa’s recent struggles in form, and the various and confusing political matters going on behind the scenes, the players might feel confident with their new coach Rassie Erasmus coming in to shake things up. Either way, this match will be ruled by the unknown and it should be a good one to watch, even if there’s nobody at the stadium and it falls over at full time.

Moving onto Argentina and things get a lot simpler, the tests will be played in stadiums not scheduled to be destroyed and in front what should hopefully be large and passionate crowds. The Jaguares are currently having a great season in Super Rugby and perhaps we’ll see this form transfer over to Los Pumas. After all, the Argentinian system means the majority of their internationals play for the Super Rugby side. Despite having more of their top players available, this will most likely be a tougher test for Wales. Playing in front of a loud crowd that will be almost all home supporters, against a team that doesn’t know the meaning of the words “sensible” or “patient”, will be a lot different than playing in other high pressure situations like the Six Nations.

While that may all seem like Wales haven’t got a chance, circumstances may provide an opportunity for them to come out on top. The lack of Lions and Wales’ most experienced players may seem like a disadvantage, but not being hobbled with too much test match experience could prove quite positive. Just over a year out from the World Cup, with some Wales greats nearing retirement, the young and under tested talent going on this tour will want to take advantage of the chaos that a game against Argentina usually creates. The Scarlets and Blues boys who have proved themselves so excellently domestically this season will want to replicate that winning form while the Ospreys and Dragons representatives will be trying to salvage a season of underperformance, and both can be equally good motivators.

Overall then this series isn’t so much about winning, it’s about showing off. Showing off the sport to a developing market, and World Cup hopefuls showing off their skills to the coaches. All three matches could genuinely go either way but whether Wales win or lose the results won’t be remembered in a year’s time; the players that make a statement this summer will.