Wales opened the Autumn Internationals 2025 with a gritty, hard-fought victory over Argentina on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, marking the first test under new head coach Steve Tandy. The 3:10pm GMT kickoff was more than just a season opener—it was a statement. After an 18-match losing streak finally broken by Japan in July, this match was Wales’ chance to prove they weren’t just lucky. And they did. With Dan Edwards steering the ship at fly-half and Jac Morgan leading from openside flanker, Wales held off a determined Argentina side that had rattled off wins in the Rugby Championship just weeks earlier. The final score? 24-19. Not pretty, but deeply meaningful.
The Tandy Era Begins With a Fight
Steve Tandy didn’t inherit a dynasty. He inherited a team bruised by defeat, a fanbase holding its breath, and a media asking if he could truly replace the towering legacy of Warren Gatland. The answer? Not yet. But he’s building something real. Tandy, installed permanently after stepping in during the Six Nations, named a starting XV that balanced youth and experience. Rhys Carre at loosehead prop, Dewi Lake at hooker, Keiron Assiratti at tighthead—this front row was raw but relentless. And then there was Louis Rees-Zammit, returning from international exile, warming the bench. His presence alone sent a signal: Tandy isn’t afraid of change.
What stood out wasn’t the tries—it was the defense. Wales conceded 19 points, yes, but they held firm in the final 15 minutes when Argentina threw everything at them. A last-ditch turnover by Jac Morgan, a desperate cover tackle by Max Llewellyn, and a perfectly timed clearance by Tomos Williams kept the scoreboard in check. This wasn’t the Wales of 2023. This was something quieter, tougher, more stubborn.
How to Watch: Free, Paid, and Everywhere
For fans in the UK, the match was available on multiple platforms—a rare flexibility in modern sports broadcasting. TNT Sports 1 offered live coverage starting at 2:30pm GMT, complete with pre-match analysis and post-match breakdowns. But for those unwilling to pay, S4C delivered the game for free via its broadcast channel and BBC iPlayer. As Rugby World confirmed, all four of Wales’ November home fixtures—against Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, and the final match against Italy—will remain free to stream on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer. That’s a win for fans, and a rare move in a world increasingly locked behind paywalls.
For viewers in the U.S., Peacock carried select Autumn Internationals, though this particular match wasn’t confirmed for U.S. broadcast. Those with a discovery+ subscription could stream it live, as could viewers across Europe via TNT Sports’ digital platforms. Ireland had RTÉ Player, France had TF1+, Italy had RaiPlay—but Wales, unusually, made it accessible to everyone.
The Road Ahead: New Zealand, South Africa, and the Real Test
Beating Argentina is one thing. Surviving what comes next is another. Wales’ next two fixtures are brutal: Wales vs New Zealand on November 22 at the Principality Stadium, followed by Wales vs South Africa on November 29. Both are ranked in the top five globally. New Zealand, fresh off a dominant Rugby Championship run, will bring pace and precision. South Africa? They’re physicality incarnate. Tandy’s team will need to evolve fast.
And here’s the twist: Wales’ 2025 campaign isn’t just about wins. It’s about identity. After years of being defined by what they lost, they’re now being defined by what they’re trying to become. Tandy’s focus on discipline, set-piece dominance, and relentless defense suggests he’s building a team that doesn’t need to score 40 points to win. Just 24. And to hold on.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This match wasn’t just rugby. It was a cultural reset. In Wales, rugby isn’t just a sport—it’s a mirror. When the team struggles, the whole nation feels it. The 18-match losing streak wasn’t just statistics—it was silence in pubs, empty seats in Cardiff, and a generation of kids wondering if the game still mattered. The win over Japan in July was a spark. This win over Argentina? It’s the flame.
For young players like Dafydd Jenkins and Alex Mann, stepping into the spotlight for the first time, this was their proving ground. For veterans like Adam Beard, it was a chance to lead by example. And for Tandy? It was his first real test—not against Argentina, but against the weight of expectation.
The Quilter Nations Series runs through November 29, with 16 matches across Europe. But for Wales, the real story is just beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Wales manage to win against Argentina despite their recent losing streak?
Wales won by focusing on defensive structure and set-piece dominance rather than flashy attacking play. After an 18-match losing streak, they prioritized minimizing errors and capitalizing on Argentina’s occasional lapses in discipline. Key contributions from Jac Morgan’s turnover work and Dan Edwards’ calm kicking under pressure turned the tide in the final quarter, proving that resilience can outweigh talent on the day.
Can I watch future Wales matches for free in the UK?
Yes. All four of Wales’ home matches during the Autumn Internationals 2025—against Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, and Italy—are available free on S4C and via BBC iPlayer. This decision, confirmed by Rugby World, ensures broad access and reflects a rare commitment to public broadcasting in elite rugby. TNT Sports and discovery+ will also carry the games, but the free options remain intact.
Why is Steve Tandy’s appointment significant for Welsh rugby?
Tandy’s appointment marks a generational shift. He replaced Warren Gatland, a legendary figure who led Wales to multiple Six Nations titles and World Cup semi-finals. Unlike Gatland’s high-risk, expansive style, Tandy favors pragmatic, structured play rooted in defense and discipline. His first win shows he’s not trying to replicate the past—he’s building a new identity, one that may not be glamorous but could be more sustainable.
What’s the significance of Louis Rees-Zammit returning from the bench?
Rees-Zammit’s return signals a tactical flexibility. After a controversial exit from international rugby, his reintegration as a substitute suggests Tandy is managing his role carefully—using his speed as a finisher rather than a starter. It also sends a message: form matters more than reputation. If he delivers impact off the bench, he could force his way into the starting lineup against New Zealand.
How does this match compare to past Wales vs Argentina encounters?
Historically, Wales has dominated the fixture, winning 12 of the last 14 meetings. But recent games have been tighter. In 2022, Argentina won 27-25 in Cardiff—a shock result that exposed Welsh fragility. This 2025 match was the reverse: Wales held on by a single try, showing they’ve learned from past collapses. The difference? Better discipline, improved lineout execution, and a refusal to panic under pressure.
What’s next for Wales after the Autumn Internationals?
Wales will enter the 2026 Six Nations with momentum but questions. Their performance against New Zealand and South Africa will heavily influence their seeding and confidence. If they can compete with the southern hemisphere giants, they’ll be seen as serious contenders. If they lose heavily, Tandy’s rebuild may face renewed scrutiny. The next six months will define whether this is the start of a revival—or just a brief reprieve.
