Wales facing race against time to prepare for Boks

Assistant coach Sherratt admits it will be tough for Tandy's depleted squad

- PHIL BLANCHE

MATT Sherratt admits much-changed Wales are in a race against time to be fully prepared to take on South Africa.

Wales have lost 13 overseas-based players from their squad for Saturday's showdown with the world champions because the Cardiff clash falls outside World Rugby's designated three-week November window.

The extra autumn game was organised by the Welsh Rugby Union in 2018 to boost finances for the domestic game and planned for 2020, but that was postponed because of Covid.

The Principality Stadium contest now takes place after Wales fixtures against Argentina, Japan and New Zealand, and the consequence is that head coach Steve Tandy has lost half a dozen starters and several backup players.

Tandy has called up six players over the past fortnight to bolster his squad, and attack coach Sherratt says the non-window fixture has presented issues for the Wales camp.