Wales defence coach Peter Murchie wants a sharper, more consistent side when Japan visit Cardiff on Saturday.
In comments reported by BBC Sport on 3 November, Murchie said he had been unhappy with Wales’ defensive work during the summer and believed the squad could deliver much more.
He pointed to the extra preparation time before this campaign, including the opportunity to review July’s performances and build relationships within the coaching group.
“We’re here to win Test matches,” he said, while declining to set a target for the number of victories.
The BBC reported that Wales missed more than 100 tackles and conceded 15 tries across their three July internationals. Saturday offers the first chance to show what has changed.
Japan first in a busy Cardiff run
The Welsh Rugby Union’s confirmed schedule puts Wales against Japan at Principality Stadium on Saturday 7 November, kicking off at 16:40 GMT.
New Zealand follow on 14 November at 14:10, before Australia visit on 21 November for a 20:10 start. All three matches are listed for live coverage on ITV and S4C.
They form rounds four to six of the inaugural Nations Championship. The competition then moves to a Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, from 27 to 29 November, with all 12 participating countries playing for their final positions.
The WRU’s July results show a 39–24 win over Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium, followed by defeats of 35–21 against Argentina in San Juan and 43–0 against South Africa in Durban. Those results explain why reducing the points conceded matters as Wales enter the home half of the competition.
A fuller coaching build-up
Murchie’s arrival was flagged in the WRU’s summer squad announcement, when head coach Steve Tandy highlighted the detail and energy he expected the defence coach to bring.
That announcement also confirmed Dan Lydiate’s full-time specialist role covering defensive contact skills, including work around the tackle and what happens immediately afterwards.
The autumn squad announced by the union is captained by Dewi Lake. Its uncapped players are Cardiff prop Rhys Barratt and Dragons pair Che Hope and Aneurin Owen.
What supporters need to know
The WRU’s Japan match guide lists public gates opening at 14:40, warm-ups at 15:30 and the anthems at 16:35. Its event timetable gives a full road closure from 12:30, with roads scheduled to reopen at 20:30.
Supporters can follow more of our rugby coverage as the November internationals unfold.