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Wales keep two games at home this autumn but still have hopes of London calling
By Online Editors
Wales’ re-scheduled Guinness Six Nations meeting with Scotland and their first home Autumn Nations Cup clash with Georgia will both be played at Parc y Scarlets. The Welsh Rugby Union still has options in place to play the two remaining Autumn Nations Cup matches – against England on November 28 and the play-off final fixture on December 5 - in London, in order to maximise potential revenue.
But their October 31 and November 21 matches will now be played in Wales. "We have taken the call to play our first two home matches this autumn in Wales," said WRU CEO Steve Phillips.
"Given how vital Wales games are to the funding of our sport, it was only right that every option was explored. Obviously more important than that is the health of supporters, players and the nation as a whole and so, whilst making contingency plans, we have of course been conscious of following government advice closely every step of the way.
"We anticipate the two games will take place behind closed doors, however, if the ‘big picture’ changes, we would be open to exploring whether either game could serve as a test event for crowds."
No games this year can be played at Principality Stadium in Cardiff as this venue is still in use as the Dragons Heart Hospital. However, if future UK Government health and safety guidance allows for some supporters, the WRU have not ruled out taking two of its matches on the road.
"We hope that supporters will understand that we are duty-bound to continue to explore all options before making a final call with respect to England and the Autumn Nations Cup final match," Phillips continued.
"We are hopeful that it will be deemed safe for at least some, perhaps socially distanced and restricted, crowds to attend these matches and also remain open to the prospect of using the Parc y Scarlets fixtures as test events with limited attendances if possible.
"Whilst it is disappointing to play these matches without supporters we would like to thank all of those who follow, support and participate in Welsh rugby and our partners for their patience during these hugely challenging times."
WALES 2020 FIXTURES
France v Wales - Saturday, October 24, KO 21.00, Paris (S4C)
Wales v Scotland - Saturday, October 31, KO 14.15, Parc y Scarlets (2020 Guinness Six Nations) (BBC)
Ireland v Wales - Friday, November 13, KO 19.00, Aviva Stadium, Dublin (Autumn Nations Cup) Channel 4/Amazon Prime Video/S4C
Wales v Georgia - Saturday, November 21, KO 17.15, Parc y Scarlets (Autumn Nations Cup) Amazon Prime Video/S4C
Wales v England - Saturday, November 28, KO 16.00, Venue TBC (Autumn Nations Cup) Amazon Prime Video/S4C
Wales v TBC - Saturday, December, KO 16.45, Venue TBC (Autumn Nations Cup play-off final) Amazon Prime Video/S4C
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Hi Nick. Thanks for your +++ ongoing analysis. Re Vunivalu, He’s been benched recently and it will be interesting to see what Kiss does with him as we enter the backend of SRP. I’m still not sold.
Go to commentsIn the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
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