Wales are set to face South Africa in their WXV Global Series opener at Cardiff Arms Park today, 18 September 2026. This marks the first season of World Rugby's newly launched WXV Global Series, which features the top 12 ranked national teams playing home and away matches throughout September and October.
Wales enters the match having lost nine consecutive Test matches, which has seen them fall to 13th in the world rankings. Their recent form includes losing all five 2026 Six Nations games. In contrast, South Africa has risen to 10th in the rankings after reaching their first Rugby World Cup quarter-final last summer and securing recent victories against Fiji and USA.
Wales head coach Sean Lynn has made changes to his team selection, moving experienced scrum-half Keira Bevan to fly-half. Three debutants are also named in the matchday 23, including former Cardiff City footballer Amy Williams on the wing. South Africa's co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September have also made adjustments to their side, with Felicia Jacobs starting at scrum-half and Sevens star Maria Tshiremba earning her second cap on the wing.