Difficult away days could cost Wayne Pivac’s Wales

Adam Kyriacou

Finally in our set of previews ahead of the Six Nations we examine the prospects of last year’s Grand Slam winners, Wayne Pivac’s Wales.

After 12 successful seasons under the stewardship of Warren Gatland, another New Zealander has taken charge attempting to emulate – or perhaps even improve – on that exceptional period.

Pivac, the former Scarlets head coach, has been handed the task of helping the Welsh to achieve more success in Europe’s premier tournament, but this year they have the added pressure of being the defending champions.

Like much of Gatland’s tenure, it was not pretty, failing to secure a bonus-point in their Slam success, but they got the job done, showing both brains and brawn to win five matches in a row.

The new boss is attempting to change that style of play having revitalised the Llanelli-based outfit. The region played some superb rugby under the 58-year-old and he is attempting to replicate that positive approach with the national team.

That may take time to truly implement, however, and with the draw pitting them against Ireland and England – their two likeliest challengers – away from home, winning another title is a tough ask.

Last year: It almost went so wrong for Wales in their Six Nations opener as they went 16-0 down against France at the break, but they displayed typical resolve to get themselves back into the contest.

It was a hallmark of the team under Gatland and, after Tomos Williams had reduced the arrears, George North touched down to get the gap down to two points. That remained following Camille Lopez and Dan Biggar penalties, but North read Sebastien Vahaamahina’s terrible pass to cross the whitewash and secure a 24-19 result.

They duly built on that comeback victory and, following a comfortable encounter against Italy, they welcomed arch-rivals England to Cardiff. It was a typically brutal affair and one which the Red Rose controlled in the first half, but the hosts dominated the second and deservedly claimed a 21-13 triumph via Cory Hill and Josh Adams scores.

That performance duly gave Wales an excellent opportunity to win their third Grand Slam in the past 11 years and they took it. Gatland’s charges beat Scotland 18-11 before they produced an outstanding display to overcome Ireland 25-7 and claim the title.

This year: It will all be about the middle rounds as to whether Wales can defend their crown in 2020. Their first and last games are at home to Italy and Scotland, two matches they are expected to win, but rounds two and four sees them visit Ireland and England in what will be decisive encounters.

Sandwiched in between those clashes is a head-to-head with France in Cardiff, a team they will have to be wary of should that talented French outfit click under new boss Fabien Galthie. Even so, they should have too much for an inexperienced Les Bleus squad and will therefore expect to win their contests at home.

The draw is not necessarily favourable for the Welsh, however, and it would be extra special should they win another Grand Slam when they have to visit the World Cup finalist.

Key players: Captain fantastic Alun Wyn Jones has to be mentioned following his stunning year in 2019, which saw him lift the Six Nations title. The second-row has been injured since the end of the World Cup, but recently returned to the Ospreys side and impressed against Saracens in the Champions Cup.

They are particularly powerful in that back five of the scrum with Josh Navidi and Aaron Wainwright now important figures in the side, while it will be an anxious wait on the fitness of unique talent Taulupe Faletau as he came off for Bath on Saturday.

In the backline, Gareth Davies and Dan Biggar are exceptional playmakers and they will look to open the space for Josh Adams and Liam Williams to thrive. Those two speedsters enjoyed superb seasons in 2019 and will be vital to the game Pivac wants to play.

Players to watch: Much of the focus has been on 18-year-old sensation Louis Rees-Zammit but he may not be involved too much over the next couple of months. Competition is fierce in that back three, so don’t be surprised should the youngster have to bide his time.

Instead, it is better to look at the centre positions following Jonathan Davies’ injury. There has been talk of George North shifting to 13 alongside Hadleigh Parkes, but we think the selection of Nick Tompkins could be a masterstroke.

The Saracens centre, who is English-born and a World Rugby U20 Championship winner with the Red Rose, has a Welsh grandmother and Pivac convinced the 24-year-old to join up with his squad. Despite some superb form for the Londoners, the centre has yet to receive a call from Eddie Jones and, like Italy’s Jake Polledri, it could prove to be a mistake from the Australian. Tompkins is hugely talented and will surely go on to win many caps for Wales.

Prospects: It will be a serious test of Wales’ capabilities to match their efforts from last year, with the draw less kind to them and the introduction of a new coaching team potentially disrupting their campaign.

We do like the balance of the squad, however, and the possible return of Faletau will give the team extra ball-carrying prowess, which is something they lacked last year, despite the outstanding Grand Slam success.

There is plenty of improvement left in this Welsh side and Pivac, who likes to play an expansive game, could make them a more aesthetically pleasing outfit to watch, but they may have to take one step backwards over the next season before they go forwards. Wales should still be very competitive, though, and we back them to do well. Second place.

Fixtures:

Saturday, February 1 v Italy (Principality Stadium)
Saturday, February 8 v Ireland (Aviva Stadium)
Saturday, February 22 v France (Principality Stadium)
Saturday, March 7 v England (Twickenham Stadium)
Saturday, March 14 v Scotland (Principality Stadium)