Japan date starts pivotal month for Welsh rugby

With a World Cup on the horizon and plenty of uncertainty remaining, Steve Tandy's side hope to give the game in Wales a boost. Wales have lost twice to Japan but have never lost in Cardiff against the Brave Blossoms Welsh rugby's autumn series always seems to creep up on you. It provides the first glimpse of winter and Welsh rugby fans will be hoping there is not much more discontent over the next four weeks. There is a new tournament to be embraced as the inaugural Nations Championship returns with three rounds of games to follow the opening trio of matches in July. With a win and two defeats in the first half of the tournament, Wales host Japan on Saturday before further games against New Zealand and Australia in Cardiff.

The 12 sides will then descend on the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham for a fourth set of matches with a three-day finals weekend to determine final placings. November could prove a pivotal month for Welsh rugby, in more ways than one. First up for Wales is the now familiar foe of Eddie Jones' Japan – the teams will be facing each other for a fourth time in 16 months. There is also the distinct possibility that the two sides could be paired together again at Twickenham at the