Wales eye first November win since 2009

Editor

Wales will attempt to halt their 11-game streak without a win in a November Test when they face Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales will attempt to halt their 11-game streak without a win in a November Test when they face Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales are currently enjoying their most successful era since the glory days of the 1970s, having won three Six Nations titles and reaching a World Cup semifinal in the space of six years.

Add to that the presence in their side of 10 players in the British and Irish Lions' decisive third Test win over Australia in July, as well as half the combined outfit's management team, and home expectations are unsurprisingly high this weekend.

Yet Welsh rugby is characterised by fluctuating fortunes that rise and fall like the valleys of the nation and despite their Six Nations success, there is something about this time of year that sees the fortunes of the national side fall as predictably as the leaves from the trees.

Last week's 24-15 defeat by South Africa means Wales have not won on home soil at this time of year since 2009 when they beat the Pumas 33-16 at the Millennium Stadium.

Now they face the same opponents four years later trying to reverse the trend, having gone down 26-12 to Argentina in Cardiff just over 12 months ago.

“Our focus is always the Six Nations, that is our bread and butter, so sometimes we have gone into the autumn looking to blood a few players and try a few combinations,” said coach Warren Gatland.

“It is not a competition but we are conscious that we have not done as well as we would have liked in the autumns. Perhaps now is the time to kick on,” the New Zealander added.

Wales have made five changes, including one positional switch, to the side beaten by the Springboks last week.

Rhodri Jones, Justin Tipuric and new cap Cory Allen are promoted with Lions trio Adam Jones, Dan Lydiate and Jonathan Davies all out through injury.

Allen, 20, shone for Wales Sevens but remains an unknown quantity despite being asked to fill the void left at Cardiff Blues by the departure of Jamie Roberts and he now replaces another Lion in Davies.

“We're not sure what to expect from Cory but sometimes you have throw young guys into the deep end and see what happens,” said Gatland.

“With Jonathan injured we're looking for some cover and it's a chance for a young guy to develop,” the Lions head coach coach added.

New Pumas coach Daniel Hourcade, who made four changes from the side beaten 31-12 by England at Twickenham last weekend, said: “This is only my second game and we are getting more confident with each other as a group.

“We're in the process of development and playing in the Rugby Championship has been a big jump.

“It has made us grow up very quickly which is the only way to improve. People are expecting more of this team but it will take time.

“We were better in the second half against England and that is how we have to start against Wales.”