Welsh dreams of winning a first World Cup ended on Sunday evening in Yokohama as the Springbok power proved too much in a tight semi-final.

The remarkable run under Warren Gatland will come to a close in the third-place play-off on Friday, with the Welsh regions looking forward to having their international stars back.

While some Italy and Scotland internationals were back in action this weekend, and Ireland’s World Cup contingent should follow soon, the Welsh sides are having to be a little more patient.

When they do come back though, expect those World Cup semi-finalists to make a big impact.

Blues’ new arrivals

With two games left in Japan, Josh Adams sits on his own as the top try-scorer in the tournament, and Cardiff Blues must be desperate to see their new man in action.

The winger joined from Worcester Warriors in the summer, and has shown consistently over the last two years that he has a nose for the try-line that few can match.

The Blues are hardly short of wing options, just out in Japan they have fellow newcomer Hallam Amos and of course Owen Lane, called up last week.

Those three provided a massive threat out wide, as well as a selection headache for John Mulvihill when they are back in Wales.

In terms of pace, the return of Tomos Williams will also be a welcome one. The scrum-half showed just why he is so highly-rated as he came off the bench in the semi-final, inspiring a comeback with the increased tempo.

Those four, along with Dillon Lewis, and when fit again, Josh Navidi, should have a big impact for the Blues.

Dragons back row reinforcements

Ollie Griffiths showed just why he has been tipped for international honours against Glasgow Warriors last week, and his return to fitness is a real boost for the Dragons.

Dean Ryan will also soon be able to call upon Ross Moriarty and Aaron Wainwright in his back row after their starring roles in Japan.

Wainwright has been out of the breakout players in the tournament, with a match-winning contribution in the quarter-final win over France.