Here are the latest rugby headlines on the morning of Thursday, November 17, ahead of the Wales v Australia team announcements.
Wallabies wary of Biggar threat
Australia back Andrew Kellaway says Dan Biggar could be a key threat to the Wallabies' chances of victory at the Principality Stadium this weekend.
The Wallabies haven't lost three straight games to Wales since 1975, but arrive in the capital on the back of a disappointing run of form, having already slumped to defeats at the hands of England and Scotland this autumn.
Kellaway says the tourists are looking forward to the challenge, but says keeping Biggar quiet is an important part of their blueprint for victory on Saturday.
“If we let guys like Dan Biggar into the game with his kicking, through penalties and ill discipline, we’re going to be on the back foot,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“There’s all sorts of emotions flying about. It was a little bit flat after the two losses in games we believe we could have and should have won, or at least put ourselves in a position to win. We get another chance this weekend, so everyone’s pumped.”
Wayne Pivac to announce Wales team for autumn finale
Wales boss Wayne Pivac is set to reveal his team to face Australia at noon amid late fitness calls to be made on Josh Adams, Aaron Wainwright and Tomas Francis.
WillGriff John and Will Rowlands were released from the squad on Wednesday, adding to Wales' injury woes.
You can follow live updates from Wales' team announcement here.
Erasmus to fight back
Defiant Rassie Erasmus will appeal his ban from rugby.
South African Rugby confirmed the director of rugby, and the Union itself, will fight the guilty verdicts dished out on Wednesday night.
Erasmus was banned from all rugby for two months on Wednesday night and forbidden from taking part in any matchday activities until September next year. SA Rugby was also fined £20,000 following the release of the hour-long video attack on referee Nic Berry during the Lions tour.
You can read the main outcomes of the case here. Berry's testimony, in which he revealed the profound effect the attack has had on him and his family, is here.
In a brief statement, SA Rugby said: "SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus have noted the decision of World Rugby’s judicial committee.
"Both parties confirmed they will exercise their rights to appeal the verdicts.
"Neither party will make any further comment until the process is complete."
Shane backs Wales Women contracts
Wales legend Shane Williams has backed the Welsh Rugby Union's move to finally offer some Wales Women players professional contracts.
Earlier this month, the WRU announced that Wales Women players would be offered contracts for the first time, with 10 fully professional deals on the table, plus up to 15 "retainer" contracts - effectively semi-professional - all on 12-month deals taking effect from January 2022.
“It’s definitely a positive step forward for the women’s game in Wales," Williams told WalesOnline.
“It’s no secret the English women's team are more professional, they perform better, they are individually better players and that’s because they have been aided more than Welsh women over the years.
“The Welsh women train and work as hard as the women players in other nations and they should get rewarded for it.
“Rugby is a tough sport, you are putting your body on the line week in, week out and some people have been having to almost pay to go and train and not have these benefits that everyone else has.
“It’s been very unfair. You look at players like Jasmine Joyce... Hopefully now they get the reward for the hard work and really keeping at it. I think it’s only fair.”
Shane Williams was speaking on behalf of Amazon Prime Video for its coverage of the Autumn Nations Series. To watch the Autumn Nations Series on Amazon Prime Video it costs £7.99 a month, while for new members there is a free 30-day trial.
Marler won't be fazed
South Africa number eight Duane Vermeulen expects Joe Marler to be unaffected by his spell in self-isolation when he lines up for England on Saturday.
Marler missed last weekend's conclusive victory over Australia after testing positive for coronavirus and will only be able to leave quarantine the day before the Springboks arrive at Twickenham.
England's front-row resources have been depleted by injury and Covid so Marler is expected to be included on the bench or the starting XV when Eddie Jones names his team on Thursday morning.
And Vermeulen insists the Harlequins prop will not be fazed, citing the Springboks' own experience of taking to the field soon after leaving isolation.
"If I'm not mistaken, our South Africa squad did it against Georgia in the summer," he said.
"And the guys were in lockdown before they played for the SA 'A' team. They could only get out on the Friday to do their captain's run.
"It's going to have a major effect on you but as an individual it's a little bit different to a bigger group of guys.
"If you're fit enough... Joe Marler a good scrummager and loves a bit of banter on the field. He'll be happy if he's starting or sitting on the bench."
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