Changes to international calendar will bring clarity and certainty insists Tandy

STEVE TANDY has welcomed next year's bigger Test window with his Wales squad decimated for tomorrow's showdown with South Africa.

- By PHIL BLANCHE

Wales' final autumn fixture has been mired in controversy as it falls outside World Rugby's official Test window and head coach Tandy has been forced to name a weakened side minus 13 players to take on the world champions.

Bristol wing Louis Rees-Zammit, Gloucester scrumhalf Tomos Williams and Saracens prop Rhys Carre are among the England and France-based players missing for Wales in Cardiff.

South Africa will also be missing key personnel on a weekend when club rugby returns in both northern and southern hemispheres.

It is a situation that will not be repeated in 2026 following the launch of the biennial Nations Championship and a four-Test window next November.

"I think it's easier," Tandy said of the newly announced international calendar.