Warren Gatland’s men kick-off the Dove Men Series against the Springboks on November 9, before further clashes against Argentina, Tonga and Australia.
Warburton led the British & Irish Lions to a famous series win over Australia last summer but is now solely focused on Wales with four tough tests on the horizon.
First up are Heyneke Meyer’s South Africans, who impressed in the recent Rugby Championship. With the likes of Bryan Habana and captain Jean de Villiers in their side, the Springboks offer plenty of pace out wide. Warburton though, is looking forward to testing himself against the likes of Willem Alberts at the contact area.
“The last time I played South Africa was in the World Cup and I thought we did pretty well there as a back row unit,” he said.
“That game was myself, Dan (Lydiate) and Toby (Faletau). We don’t know what the trio will be but we did well that time. For the three guys who are picked, there’s no reason why they can’t replicate that performance.
“It’s a balancing act in the back row but a more physical game suits someone like myself so I’d be happy if the game went down that route.”
Warburton will clearly be a key man this autumn but faces some intense competition for a place in the back row – Justin Tipuric, Dan Lydiate, Toby Faletau, Andrew Coombs and Ryan Jones all pushing for a starting spot.
“In the past few years we’ve started the autumn campaign slowly so we’ll have to be on top of training and make sure we’re up to speed for that first match,” the Wales captain added.
“When you play at the Millennium Stadium, it naturally gives you a massive lift and it brings out an extra 10 or 20 per cent in the players.
“The home crowd is always a massive factor for us but it will be difficult and we’ll emphasis that we need to be ready in the build-up to the autumn.”
Warburton spent the summer leading the Lions to victory in Australia and he argues the success of the large Welsh contingent on that trip will be a positive over the next month.
“I think the Lions will have a positive effect on those who were involved,” he said.
“When Kurtley Beale missed that last kick in the first Test, I remember saying beforehand if games are consistently that close, then one will go our way. On that occasion it did and hopefully we can replicate that in a Wales jersey.”
Tickets to see Wales in action at the Millennium Stadium in the 2013 Dove Men Series – against South Africa, Argentina, Tonga and Australia – on consecutive weekends from 9th November are available online at www.wru.co.uk/tickets – prices from £25, £10 concession.
Wales Dove Men Series 2013 fixtures:
Wales v South Africa – Saturday, 9 November, Kick-Off 5.30pm – £70 / £60 / £40 / £25
Wales v Argentina – Saturday, 16 November, Kick-Off 2.30pm – £40 / £30 / £10 concession (U16) /£70 Family ticket 2 adults + 2 concession
Wales v Tonga – Friday, 22 November, Kick-Off 7.30pm – £25 / £10 concession/ £60 Family ticket 2 adult + 2 concession/ Minis/Juniors/Schools offer, with every 8 concessions purchased 2 adult tickets free
Wales v Australia – Saturday, 30 November, Kick-Off 5.00pm – £70 / £60 / £40 / £25
