THREE is the magic number for Wales this autumn, but the Rugby Championship is providing as much cause for concern as it is reason for optimism.

The target must be a trio of home Test wins at the Millennium Stadium before the end of the year.

Wales should have enough to beat Samoa in round two, even if they were pushed very close in the World Cup.

They won’t get over the line against New Zealand in game three, leaving them looking to finish with a bang against Australia.

The Wallabies suffered another blow this week when Quade Cooper who, despite being in horrendous form, is a quality player, joined Will Genia, David Pocock and James Horwill on the injured list.

The Aussies are weak and Wales must claim the scalp that should have been taken Down Under this summer.

If all goes to plan that’d be win number three and it would be job done… but do not underestimate the height of the first hurdle.

Rob Howley’s men will be rusty when they welcome Argentina to Cardiff on November 10.

Conversely, the Pumas will be firing on all cylinders after a hugely encouraging first tournament against the big guns.

Argentina are yet to win but pushed New Zealand hard, were forced to settle for a draw against South Africa after a late charge down and should have beaten Australia on the Gold Coast.

They had a couple of dodgy years after their third-placed finish at the 2007 World Cup, but the Pumas are back.