Sky Sports News reporter James Cole takes a closer look at how Wayne Pivac has helped transform Welsh fortunes; Wales on track to win Six Nations Grand Slam after beating Italy 48-7 on Saturday
By James Cole, Sky Sports News reporter
Last updated: 14/03/21 10:36 am
0:35
Wayne Pivac believes his Welsh side have more depth than ever to win a Six Nations Grand Slam but also become 2023 World Cup opponents
Wayne Pivac believes his Welsh side have more depth than ever to win a Six Nations Grand Slam but also become a 2023 World Cup opponent
Defeating France, Scotland, Ireland and England in the autumn Wayne left Pivac under pressure to hold his post in 2021.
Now his team has one win from the Six Nations Grand Slam.
So how has Wales’ head coach changed the fortunes of his side?
Experience of childhood
Having used the harvest campaign to donate blood to some young people, Wales has returned to experience in these Six Nations.
Particularly true in midfield, where Lions pair Jonathan Davies and George North – with 187 captains between them – have provided midfield provision.
George North ran in an effort during Wales’ decisive victory over Italy on Saturday
Add to that the return from Ken Owens hook injury (81 caps) and the return to No. 8 Talupe Faletau form (85 caps) and the impact is pretty big.
Defend first
Pivac ‘s decision to part ways with defensive coach Byron Hayward in November last year may have been a resounding one – but it proves the right one.
Wales’ success under Warren Gatland was based on an excellent defensive game, led by Shaun Edwards. They moved away from there under Hayward and paid the price.
Jonathan Davies has been in big form for Wales during the Six Nations campaign
Former Welsh and Lions prop Gethin Jenkins has replaced Hayward and gone back to basics. Wales once again look very physical and hard to score against.
Strength in depth
Though stressed, Pivac’s decision to use the Autumn Cup to watch young players is now paying off.
In Bristol midfielder Callum Sheedy has given Dan Biggar a very capable underdog, and scrum-half Kieran Hardy’s performance against England has shown that he also has a great international future.
In particular the experience given to the 20-year-old Luis Rees-Zammit wing in the autumn has allowed him to make a smooth transition from club to international rugby. Four attempts so far in the Six Nations – Rees Lightening will definitely be involved with the Lions this summer.
Pivac wants to improve Wales
Wales were full value for their 41-point win
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has said they need to improve if they are to beat France and seal the stunning Six Nations Grand Slam in Paris next week, despite beating the All-Ireland side. -Ital 48-7 in Rome Saturday.
The Welsh got seven tries in a terrific win over the Azzurri to seal their fourth win in four games and set off a feat that not many people expected at the start of the 2021 Championship.
“We need to improve. We need to improve every week,” Pivac told a news conference.
“We will review the performance and we know we will be in for a big game. We have been at the end of the result both times against France.”