Arabic version: ويلز تفتتح شهراً حاسماً في بطولة الأمم بمواجهة اليابان

According to BBC News, Wales begin a pivotal November by hosting Japan in the Nations Championship, before facing New Zealand and Australia in Cardiff. Wales have one win and two defeats from the July opening rounds, with the 12 teams later set to meet at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham for a finals weekend that will decide placings.

Japan, coached by Eddie Jones, are Wales’ first opponents in a series of four meetings in 16 months. Wales have won two of the previous three matches since July 2025, including a last-gasp Cardiff victory a year ago that gave Steve Tandy his first Test win as head coach. Wales have lost twice to Japan but have never lost to the Brave Blossoms in Cardiff.

Tandy has won three and lost nine of his 12 internationals in charge, while Wales are 10th in the world rankings. His Test victories have come against Fiji, Italy and Japan. “We’re probably on par with where I’d like us to be but we want to kick on faster than we have done,” Tandy said.

Wales have selected a record 12 English-club players in their 23 for Japan, with nine named in the starting side. Dewi Lake will captain a team including Nicky Smith, Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright. Tandy has also paired Max Llewellyn with Eddie James, his sixth centre partnership in 13 internationals.

Attendance will be closely watched at Principality Stadium. The Welsh Rugby Union relies on men’s international crowds for more than half its turnover and announced an £18m loss last month. Wales play Japan on 7 November, New Zealand on 14 November and Australia on 21 November, before a WRU annual general meeting the day after the Australia match.