Wales relish All Black challenge

Six Nations champions Wales will face World Cup holders New Zealand in one of four year-end Tests at the Millennium Stadium, the Welsh Rugby Union announced Monday.

Wales will face the All Blacks on November 24 as they bid for the first victory against New Zealand since 1953.

Australia, who beat Wales in the World Cup third-place play-off in October, will conclude series on December 1.

Samoa, narrowly beaten by Wales in a key World Cup pool game, also feature on the programme, while Argentina too will have a chance to face Warren Gatland's Grand Slam winning team.

"I am delighted we are able to announce such an excellent series of games for this autumn," Welsh Rugby Union group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said.

"Warren Gatland has always said we will only get better by playing the best, and this autumn we have certainly met his challenge and lived up to his expectations."

Wales travel to Australia for a three-Test series against the Wallabies in June having won just one of their last 16 internationals against Tri-Nations (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia) opposition.

Wales year-end Tests at the Millennium Stadium (all times GMT)
November 10: v Argentina (14.30)
November 16: v Samoa (19.30)
November 24: v New Zealand (17.15)
December 1: v Australia (14.30)

AFP