Warren Gatland is said to be privately optimistic that with a raft of experience returning and maturing youngsters, Wales will be competitive
Cardiff lock Teddy Williams has been called into Wales' squad to replace Ben Carter, who has been released after suffering a knee injury in training.
Round six of the Gallagher Premiership promises to deliver another thrilling weekend of action, with teams looking to solidify their positions ahead of a break before the Test rugby returns in November.
Warren Gatland has named former New Zealand Schools wing Blair Murray in his 35-man squad for the Autumn Nations Series.
Springboks great Albert van den Berg says he would love to put one over on his former coach Jake White.
After two tough years at the helm, the former scrum-half can see brighter times ahead for Scarlets.
In just a few days another season of the Top 14 kicks off with the likes of Owen Farrell, Siya Kolisi, Josua Tuisova, and Davit Niniashvili making the numbers of the overseas players ready to make the headlines and wrestle for the title.
Experienced tighthead has “never retired from Test rugby” but says his current focus is on his family and contract in France.
With less than a year now until the first Test between Australia and the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane, head coach Andy Farrell will have a rough idea of who will be part of his squad.