Five superstars set to miss the Autumn Nations Series

A galaxy of stars will be absent for the start of the European extravaganza and those set to miss the entire series is looking comprehensive already two months out.

Here, RUCK identifies a number of the key absentees.

The Rugby Paper say Halfpenny is not expected to play again until after the Six Nations, meaning the full-back will be unavailable for Wales' nine matches over the autumn and Six Nations.

Halfpenny suffered a horror knee ligament injury in the opening minutes of his 100th Test against Canada two months ago and is targeting an April return.

He turns 33 this year but still has strong international and club ambitions.

69-times capped lock Launchbury ruptured an ACL playing against Bath for Wasps in the Gallagher Premiership. Wasps boss Lee Blackett expects the skipper to return to Premiership action just before the new year.

The Springbok flanker will be out of action for a lengthy period after undergoing surgery on his injured shoulder, according to head coach Jacques Nienaber. Du Toit was forced off during South Africa’s dominant 27-9 triumph over the British and Irish Lions in the second Test following a tackle by the tourists’ Duhan van der Merwe

Flanker Willis suffered MCL and meniscus damage to his left knee back in February while earning his third international cap against Italy at Twickenham Stadium. The back-rower is expected to return to action for Wasps around Christmas time and could return for the 2022 Six Nations.

The fullback faces a race to be fit for Wales' autumn campaign after having his appendix removed.

Williams has had an operation and is a doubt for the opening game against New Zealand on 30 October.

Wales face South Africa, Fiji and Australia in the following weeks.