Wales have turned down an approach from Australia to play the Wallabies in Cardiff immediately after the World Cup.
The Aussies proposed a one-off Test at the Millennium Stadium in early November as a money-making exercise with the Australian Rugby Union banking on a £1m appearance fee.
Should they reach the last four in this World Cup, Wales will have played 15 internationals this year. The prospect of a 16th has been declined as a first step to protecting Test rugby from further over-kill.
The peace accord between the WRU and their four regions makes provision for one autumn international in a World Cup year and a maximum of four in non-World Cup years.
The refusal of the Australian invitation signifies a shift in policy from within the new WRU board headed by Gareth Davies.
PETER JACKSON