The draw for the 2019 Rugby World Cup with take place on May 10 in Kyoto’s State Guest House ahead of the competition heading to Japan for the first time ever in two years’ time.
And while Wales are guaranteed a place at the tournament, they could find themselves in a so-called ‘Pool of Death’ if they do not maintain their ranking.
Rob Howley’s side are currently ranked seventh in the world with 81.16 points but France and Argentina are less than two points behind them and the points system more severely punishes defeats at home.
If they do slip behind them both into ninth place, it will push them into the third band of teams for May’s seeded draw, meaning they will face two higher-ranked sides in the group stages.
This would mean one of New Zealand, England, Australia and Ireland as well as one of Scotland, South Africa, France and Argentina.
The Welsh found themselves in a similarly tricky situation at the 2015 Rugby World Cup when they were drawn alongside Australia and England.
However, they beat the hosts 28-25 in dramatic scenes at Twickenham to qualify for the quarter-finals before they were eliminated by South Africa.
And while they will be keen to avoid another ‘Pool of Death’, Howley denied that the prospect had created any extra pressure on the team.
“There’s always pressure on international players and coaches,” said Howley.
“You have to look after the process.
“If you look after the process and concentrate on it, the outcome will look after itself.”
