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Last Updated: Wednesday, 7 April, 2004, 14:49 GMT 15:49 UK
Wales add Springbok date
Wales are trying to find a different date to play South Africa in Cardiff
Wales have added a Test match against South Africa at the Millennium Stadium for the beginning of November.

The Springboks were originally scheduled to play in Cardiff on 4 December as part of their tour of Great Britain and Ireland.

But that weekend had been set aside for Heineken Cup fixtures, so Wales have renegotiated for 6 November.

Wales face the Springboks at the end of June in South Africa as part of a summer tour that includes Argentina.

That tour will be new Wales coach Mike Ruddock's first serious test, with only a match against a Barbarians XV in Bristol later this month to bed in.

After the Springboks make their return fixture in Cardiff next November, Wales then face Romania (13 November), New Zealand (20 November) and Japan (27 November) on successive weekends.

"This extra fixture is a real bonus and will give all of us, coaches and players alike, the chance to assess ourselves against the best teams in the world," Ruddock said.

"The only way we will improve as a rugby-playing nation is if we have regular contact with the top teams in the world.

"By playing the Springboks and Argentina twice and the All Blacks ahead of the 2005 RBS Six Nations, we will have every chance of continuing the development that was so apparent under Steve Hansen."

South Africa have already agreed dates in Ireland (13 November), England (20 November) and Scotland (27 November).

The last Springbok 'Grand Slam' tour was in 1998 when they beat Scotland, Wales and Ireland but lost to England.




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