Wales,2014 Ais announced.

by majesticimperialman Thu Dec 05, 2013 6:17 am

Wales will play NZ,SA,AUS,FIJI.

Wales to face New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in 2014

Wales will face southern hemisphere giants New Zealand, South Africa and Australia next autumn.
The International Rugby Board's top three ranked sides will visit Cardiff along with Fiji in 2014.
Australia and South Africa defeated Wales during the recent autumn series.
"If you want to be the best, you have to play the best and the 2014 autumn schedule reconfirms that commitment," said WRU Group chief executive Roger Lewis.
The matches against New Zealand, Australia and Fiji will be part of the IRB autumn window with South Africa confirmed as the fourth game of the series.
Play media

Wales 26-30 Australia: Wallabies triumph in Cardiff thriller
New Zealand beat Wales 33-10 at the Millennium Stadium in 2012 while Fiji's last visit to Cardiff in 2010 ended in a 16-16 draw,
All four games at the Millennium Stadium, which will be live on the BBC, are subject to final IRB approval and dates and kick off times will be confirmed at a later date.
Welsh Rugby Union chief Lewis said the 2014 autumn series would be the ideal preparation for Warren Gatland's side ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
"We will only have 12 matches in total in the run-up to our opening game at the tournament, so we must secure every opportunity to test ourselves at the highest level," Lewis added.

So i take it it will be 4 losses out of 4 for Wales next year.

What do you think?

by Jhamer25 Thu Dec 05, 2013 6:55 am

Oh my God
England away
Ireland away in the Six Nations

A test series vs South Africa

and then another 4 tests vs the big three and Fiji, we either step up next year or we will have a very frustrating year.

by bedfordwelsh Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:29 am

majesticimperialman wrote:

So i take it it will be 4 losses out of 4 for Wales next year.

What do you think?

maj,

Now come on give us benefit of the doubt of 1 from 4, we will lose to Aus, Boks and Fiji Very Happy

The SA game is outside the feckin window this time so at current count we could be without James, Evans, Charteris, Lydiate, Phillips, Roberts, JD, North and Hook then possibly Davies, Byrne and any others that go.

Nice one Lewis you Muppet

by Knowsit17 Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:33 am

Looks like the month of November next year will be even more depressing than this year's. Unless, god forbid, the players actually wise up and learn that their current strategy is not effective against the cream of the SH in the intervening 12 months.

by maestegmafia Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:36 am

bedfordwelsh wrote:
majesticimperialman wrote:

So i take it it will be 4 losses out of 4 for Wales next year.

What do you think?
maj,

Now come on give us benefit of the doubt of 1 from 4, we will lose to Aus, Boks and Fiji

The SA game is outside the feckin window this time so at current count we could be without James, Evans, Charteris, Lydiate, Phillips, Roberts, JD, North and Hook then possibly Davies, Byrne and any others that go.

Nice one Lewis you Muppet

We had Lydiate and North and have plenty of time to organise release for the other players. North has full release so we won't have to worry about him.

by bedfordwelsh Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:40 am

Maes,

The Saints got fined this year so who knows if they will be as accommodating next season, the 4th AI is just a money making scheme and sorry but nothing will convince me otherwise.

I see no need for it and look at this year, it wasn't a sell and our Regions get the players back knackered and late for a HC double header.

by maestegmafia Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:44 am

bedfordwelsh wrote:Maes,

The Saints got fined this year so who knows if they will be as accommodating next season, the 4th AI is just a money making scheme and sorry but nothing will convince me otherwise.

I see no need for it and look at this year, it wasn't a sell and our Regions get the players back knackered and late for a HC double header.

The Saints did not get fined. The PRL did nothing. The press thought they might be, but the PRL didn't say a word.

It is a money making scheme, one we need, we need the money, it falls outside the IRB window because we aren't paying as much cash as other unions are to play teams in the IRB window.

I was at the MS last Saturday and it may not have been full but it was not far from it.

by bedfordwelsh Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:50 am

maestegmafia wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:Maes,

The Saints got fined this year so who knows if they will be as accommodating next season, the 4th AI is just a money making scheme and sorry but nothing will convince me otherwise.

I see no need for it and look at this year, it wasn't a sell and our Regions get the players back knackered and late for a HC double header.
The Saints did not get fined. The PRL did nothing. The press thought they might be, but the PRL didn't say a word.

It is a money making scheme, one we need, we need the money, it falls outside the IRB window because we aren't paying as much cash as other unions are to play teams in the IRB window.

I was at the MS last Saturday and it may not have been full but it was not far from it.

I have heard the Saints issue may rumble on I guess we may never know full extent etc, I don't disagree about the money but its unfortunately ALL about the money.

I would much rather see us stick to 3 and then see the players back to Regions in good time for the Dec round of HC matches.

by maestegmafia Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:56 am

bedfordwelsh wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:Maes,

The Saints got fined this year so who knows if they will be as accommodating next season, the 4th AI is just a money making scheme and sorry but nothing will convince me otherwise.

I see no need for it and look at this year, it wasn't a sell and our Regions get the players back knackered and late for a HC double header.
The Saints did not get fined. The PRL did nothing. The press thought they might be, but the PRL didn't say a word.

It is a money making scheme, one we need, we need the money, it falls outside the IRB window because we aren't paying as much cash as other unions are to play teams in the IRB window.

I was at the MS last Saturday and it may not have been full but it was not far from it.
I have heard the Saints issue may rumble on I guess we may never know full extent etc, I don't disagree about the money but its unfortunately ALL about the money.

I would much rather see us stick to 3 and then see the players back to Regions in good time for the Dec round of HC matches.

There is bugger all the PRL can do regarding North, he is available for Wales while at Saints.

I would rather see us not play an international so close to the HEC rounds 3&4 but we need the cash. We are not the only nation doing it.

by Knowsit17 Thu Dec 05, 2013 9:11 am

bedfordwelsh wrote:Maes,

The Saints got fined this year so who knows if they will be as accommodating next season, the 4th AI is just a money making scheme and sorry but nothing will convince me otherwise.

I see no need for it and look at this year, it wasn't a sell and our Regions get the players back knackered and late for a HC double header.

Have they been fined? Last I heard was that they could be facing a fine.

Anyway they'd have no choice in the matter. It's written into North's contract at FG that he must be released whenever or if ever he is called up by Wales. It's not a question of being accommodating, as long as that clause is still in his contract they have to release him, they've really backed themselves into a corner... not that I'm complaining one bit.

by maestegmafia Thu Dec 05, 2013 9:14 am

Knowsit17 wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:Maes,

The Saints got fined this year so who knows if they will be as accommodating next season, the 4th AI is just a money making scheme and sorry but nothing will convince me otherwise.

I see no need for it and look at this year, it wasn't a sell and our Regions get the players back knackered and late for a HC double header.
Have they been fined? Last I heard was that they could be facing a fine.

Anyway they'd have no choice in the matter. It's written into North's contract at FG that he must be released whenever or if ever he is called up by Wales. It's not a question of being accommodating, as long as that clause is still in his contract they have to release him, they've really backed themselves into a corner... not that I'm complaining one bit.

Doesn't seem to have effected Saints one bit...

Hopefully a few more players will have similar written in to their contracts.

Most clubs don't seem to mind releasing Welsh players if they can. They feel the players gain a great deal from international squad camps and matches.

by rainbow-warrior Thu Dec 05, 2013 2:20 pm

If we want to get better against that SH these are the types of AI's we need. Sure with the Bok's tour added we may well lose more than we win but so would any NH nation. As for Ireland and England away, see nothing wrong in that. What better run up to the world cup could you have.

All I ever read here is apathy from Welsh fans and idiotic wum's from other idiots from other countries.

Fact is YES we are being beaten by SH teams (Big 3) but it's usually by a score and no more.

by Guest Thu Dec 05, 2013 3:27 pm

As soon as I saw Madge had written this article, it was obvious there'd be a predictable swipe in there. Good effort Madge.

Why will we lose to Fiji Madge? Would be good to see an attempt at discussion, rather than a rubbish Wum and run attempt.

by rainbow-warrior Thu Dec 05, 2013 4:50 pm

Risca Rev wrote:As soon as I saw Madge had written this article, it was obvious there'd be a predictable swipe in there. Good effort Madge.

Why will we lose to Fiji Madge? Would be good to see an attempt at discussion, rather than a rubbish Wum and run attempt.

you accept the pathetic input by madge "Billy no mates".. he has nothing else to do in his life.

by **Biltong** Thu Dec 05, 2013 5:28 pm

So we're playing wales 4 times next year, eh?

Gonna be good.

by Guest Thu Dec 05, 2013 5:35 pm

At least we are giving you the chance to beat a weakened Wales in the Autumn, after we whitewash you in the summer. Dim problem.

Don't know why it was mentioned via differing sources yesterday that Australia was the game outside the window again though?

by **Biltong** Thu Dec 05, 2013 5:38 pm

I am quite surprised that we will play an extra game in the Autumn next year, we have been only playing the three inside the IRB window.

Perhaps it is due to the RWC the next year and getting an extra game in. If you wanna beat us at home, you going to have to be very, very good. Wink

by kiakahaaotearoa Thu Dec 05, 2013 5:43 pm

Credit to Wales for securing these fixtures. As preparation for the RWC what good would be Argentina, Fiji and Canada? Wales would have everything to lose in those fixtures. Win and everybody would say well you were supposed to win. Lose and there'd be vitriol and bile flying.

Take the opposite situation and Wales have everything to gain. NZ, SA and Oz are ranked above them and with a very challenging pool Wales need consistent high end games as preparation. The RWC won't be the 6N. It has the world's best. The more you play them the more you can assess where you are. Lose them all and Wales slip in under the radar. Win some and the boost in confidence will see a boost in performance. Nothing to lose.

by No 7&1/2 Thu Dec 05, 2013 6:59 pm

At this stage Wales should be having these games. They should be aiming to play the best as often as possible and looking to win. That said as Jhamer pointed out it's going to be a bloody hard year.

by maestegmafia Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:30 pm

England announced their 2014 autumn international dates last month. They have a similar schedule. I thought Ireland had too but can't find it now.

8 November: England v New Zealand
15 November: England v South Africa
22 November: England v Samoa
29 November: England v Australia

by **Biltong** Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:33 pm

maestegmafia wrote:England announced their 2014 autumn international dates last month. They have a similar schedule. I thought Ireland had too but can't find it now.

8 November: England v New Zealand
15 November: England v South Africa
22 November: England v Samoa
29 November: England v Australia

Is this final Maes?

by maestegmafia Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:35 pm

Biltong wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:England announced their 2014 autumn international dates last month. They have a similar schedule. I thought Ireland had too but can't find it now.

8 November: England v New Zealand
15 November: England v South Africa
22 November: England v Samoa
29 November: England v Australia
Is this final Maes?

From BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24386543

by **Biltong** Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:46 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
Biltong wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:England announced their 2014 autumn international dates last month. They have a similar schedule. I thought Ireland had too but can't find it now.

8 November: England v New Zealand
15 November: England v South Africa
22 November: England v Samoa
29 November: England v Australia
Is this final Maes?
From BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24386543

Thanks for the link, the Author needs to do his research more carefully, England is ranked fourth behind Australia who is third.

by No 7&1/2 Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:48 pm

From October though when England were 3rd, briefly.

by **Biltong** Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:56 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:From October though when England were 3rd, briefly.

Then he should have waited till the Autumn series was over in my view.

When you base your facts on rankings amidst the AI's when they are fluctuating every week perhaps it is better not to use them at all then, eh?

by No 7&1/2 Thu Dec 05, 2013 8:01 pm

It was a correct fact at the time though, think you're being a bit harsh on Lancs. It's only the same as saying we're looking forward to playing the top team in the Premier League this weekend before beating them and putting them into 2nd.

by Scrumpy Thu Dec 05, 2013 8:11 pm

I think 4 defeats is a real possibility.
Yet again they have a 4th international (SA) outside the IRB window to line the pockets of the greedy WRU.

Wales, Wales, Bloody great fishes are Whales
They swim in the sea,
Get beat by Fiji,
Oh Bloody great fishes are Whales.

thumbsup

by **Biltong** Thu Dec 05, 2013 8:16 pm

Scrumpy wrote:I think 4 defeats is a real possibility.
Yet again they have a 4th international (SA) outside the IRB window to line the pockets of the greedy WRU.

Wales, Wales, Bloody great fishes are Whales
They swim in the sea,
Get beat by Fiji,
Oh Bloody great fishes are Whales.

That extra game is always a danger for the SH teams, by then it is a long season and the players are tired.

I personally think it is a mistake from SARU to accept the game outside the International window.

It will mean continuity of selection is gone, new players who get little time to play as a unit and therefor the communication is way off.

Based on that alone it will be a chance for Wales to take the Springboks.

by jimmyinthewell68 Thu Dec 05, 2013 8:17 pm

Welsh press office .
reporter to gatland . so you playing New Zealand , Australia , south Africa and fiji . so what is your goal in the autumn series against these team .
gatland . well we looking to win as many games as possible .

rugby head line .
Wales predictes smashing the big 3

everyone bar the Welsh goes mental on 606v2

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu Dec 05, 2013 8:24 pm

Knowsit17 wrote:Looks like the month of November next year will be even more depressing than this year's. Unless, god forbid, the players actually wise up and learn that their current strategy is not effective against the cream of the SH in the intervening 12 months.

Is it for the players to realise that? I wasn't aware they were responsible for the game plan.

by maestegmafia Thu Dec 05, 2013 8:30 pm

Biltong wrote:That extra game is always a danger for the SH teams, by then it is a long season and the players are tired.

I personally think it is a mistake from SARU to accept the game outside the International window.

It will mean continuity of selection is gone, new players who get little time to play as a unit and therefor the communication is way off.

Based on that alone it will be a chance for Wales to take the Springboks.

Going by this years AI squad how many players in the SA team might you lose because they do not have an international release clause had you have played a fourth international?

by maestegmafia Thu Dec 05, 2013 9:14 pm

Also I am not sure that this is technically outside the IRB window, I don't think the IRB international release windows have been set yet, they can be changed each year.

by **Biltong** Thu Dec 05, 2013 9:15 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
Biltong wrote:That extra game is always a danger for the SH teams, by then it is a long season and the players are tired.

I personally think it is a mistake from SARU to accept the game outside the International window.

It will mean continuity of selection is gone, new players who get little time to play as a unit and therefor the communication is way off.

Based on that alone it will be a chance for Wales to take the Springboks.
Going by this years AI squad how many players in the SA team might you lose because they do not have an international release clause had you have played a fourth international?

About half.

by Comfort Thu Dec 05, 2013 9:18 pm

Well, at last we'll be playing high intensity maches against the best, the results may not come (probably wont) without a change in gameplan (and scrumhalf play) but still, it will set us in a good place for the world cup. They'll be hurting, hungry and used to the pace of rugby the top 2/3 play too. Also, if we win a couple of those games all of a sudden the confidence they could have would be huge, if we lose, its same old, close but no cigar.

Smart fixtures imo.

by maestegmafia Thu Dec 05, 2013 9:19 pm

Biltong wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Biltong wrote:That extra game is always a danger for the SH teams, by then it is a long season and the players are tired.

I personally think it is a mistake from SARU to accept the game outside the International window.

It will mean continuity of selection is gone, new players who get little time to play as a unit and therefor the communication is way off.

Based on that alone it will be a chance for Wales to take the Springboks.
Going by this years AI squad how many players in the SA team might you lose because they do not have an international release clause had you have played a fourth international?

About half.

Well as I said it might be that this international falls inside the window, I don't think that the IRB have designated dates, and they are trying to be all inclusive with the International Release window so that there are few issues with Rule 9 release laws.

by Guest Thu Dec 05, 2013 9:48 pm

Why don't the Unions fess up and admit they want to create a Test league ??

They are already playing up to 15 times a season to generate the funds to control the game and the players. The top dozen teams on the rankings play each other once with alternate years home fixtures. The new IRB Player of the Year played more times for his Test side than his Union controlled S15 side. The Unions have and are taking a huge strategic risk with the current approach.

The IRB do not enforce the windows as they know full well the financials for top down centrally controlled structures are flawed, but having allowed it at the beginning of the professional era it is now too difficult to unwind.

Being old enough to remember the previous era when Tests actually meant something I am losing patience with the drift of the game at the very top level.

by Impossible Standards Thu Dec 05, 2013 9:48 pm

Wales, Wales, Bloody great fishes are Whales
They swim in the sea,
Get beat by Fiji,
Oh Bloody great fishes are Whales.

Um....Whales are mammals. Not fish!

by Comfort Thu Dec 05, 2013 9:59 pm

Impossible Standards wrote:
Wales, Wales, Bloody great fishes are Whales
They swim in the sea,
Get beat by Fiji,
Oh Bloody great fishes are Whales.
Um....Whales are mammals. Not fish!

by Scrumpy Thu Dec 05, 2013 10:17 pm

I'll let you have that one. kiss

by The Saint Fri Dec 06, 2013 2:16 am

jimmyinthewell68 wrote:Welsh press office .
reporter to gatland . so you playing New Zealand , Australia , south Africa and fiji . so what is your goal in the autumn series against these team .
gatland . well we looking to win as many games as possible .

rugby head line .
Wales predictes smashing the big 3

everyone bar the Welsh goes mental on 606v2

Pretty much how it is. Being anti-welsh must be within the guidelines of this site.

by majesticimperialman Fri Dec 06, 2013 3:08 am

Risca Rev wrote:As soon as I saw Madge had written this article, it was obvious there'd be a predictable swipe in there. Good effort Madge.

Why will we lose to Fiji Madge? Would be good to see an attempt at discussion, rather than a rubbish Wum and run attempt.

Why will we lose to Fiji Madge?

Well just look how you struggled this year against Tonga. It was hardly what you would call cinterlating rugby now was it?

Plus why is it a wum? i just copied and pasted from the bbc web site...And lets be honest your record against SH teams in the Ais is not that good now is it?

Just i would put my point of view over. ok. thumbsup

by maestegmafia Fri Dec 06, 2013 3:27 am

Does anyone know what the IRB test windows are for 2014?

by The Saint Fri Dec 06, 2013 3:32 am

majesticimperialman wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:As soon as I saw Madge had written this article, it was obvious there'd be a predictable swipe in there. Good effort Madge.

Why will we lose to Fiji Madge? Would be good to see an attempt at discussion, rather than a rubbish Wum and run attempt.
Why will we lose to Fiji Madge?

Well just look how you struggled this year against Tonga. It was hardly what you would call cinterlating rugby now was it?

Plus why is it a wum? i just copied and pasted from the bbc web site...And lets be honest your record against SH teams in the Ais is not that good now is it?

Just i would put my point of view over. ok.

Your post... laughing

We beat Tonga, I thought that is all that mattered? I guess we'll rest players in the Fiji game next year too, which would lead me to believe it will be another crap game. However when you look at the form Fiji have been in then I can only see a Wales victory. Of course a lot can change in a year, but right now we can assume Wales would put Fiji away with ease.

If you said we were likely to draw with Fiji you'd have a valid point. Whistle

by HammerofThunor Fri Dec 06, 2013 3:33 am

Not set yet but unless a change is approved by the IRB it's the 2nd, 3rd and 4th weekends in November (this is specified in Reg 9). So it can be moved but that's the standard.

So I'd say 8th/9th, 15th/16th and 22nd/23rd

by GavinDragon Fri Dec 06, 2013 4:04 am

To be the best you have to consistently play (and beat) the best.

Wouldnt be surprised by 4 losses but would rather that than 3 meaningless wins against minnows

by Toast Fri Dec 06, 2013 4:08 am

Wales to get humped by the SH again!

by maestegmafia Fri Dec 06, 2013 4:14 am

HammerofThunor wrote:Not set yet but unless a change is approved by the IRB it's the 2nd, 3rd and 4th weekends in November (this is specified in Reg 9). So it can be moved but that's the standard.

So I'd say 8th/9th, 15th/16th and 22nd/23rd

Thats England, Wales and SA struggling to agree players releases then. Lets hope the IRB stretches the window to encompass the whole of November.

by GloriousEmpire Fri Dec 06, 2013 4:17 am

Are you looking forward to it maes? Even marginally?

by HammerofThunor Fri Dec 06, 2013 5:20 am

England won't be struggling. Their's non-one outside the EPS we would want

by maestegmafia Fri Dec 06, 2013 7:28 am

GloriousEmpire wrote:Are you looking forward to it maes? Even marginally?

Definitely. I always look forward to internationals.

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