‘This Wales squad is a shadow of its former self,’ say pessimistic supporters
RUGBY fans are pessimistic over the chance of Wales retaining the Six Nations title next year after the team recorded two wins and two losses at this year’s Autumn Internationals.
They started their campaign with back-to-back defeats to New Zealand and South Africa before finishing strongly with wins over Fiji and Australia.
Despite concluding their run of fixtures with a 29-28 victory over favourites Australia last Saturday, many fans are less than convinced by the current squad.
“This Wales squad is a shadow of its former self. Two wins over Fiji and Australia simply papered over the cracks during the Autumn internationals,” said James Lilley, 35, of Swansea.
“The team is far too reliant on ageing players, and some are played with a nostalgic romance rather than on form. Where are the young, established players coming from the regions?
“I think big changes will be needed before the Six Nations in spring.”
Wayne Pivac’s men were plagued by injuries during the Internationals with Taulupe Faletau, Ross Moriarty, Dan Biggar, Ken Owens and Alun Wyn Jones all missing game time due to injury.
Worse still, captain Jones’ shoulder injury picked up in the New Zealand game is set to keep him out of the squad for the Six Nations, leaving Wales without an experienced leader.
This comes at a time of genuine concern over the team’s playing style.
“There is a massive flaw in Pivac and Wales’ game, they cannot play any flowing rugby at the moment, with only a handful of tries coming from open play and the rest being scored as a result of a driving line out,” said Tom Moore, 21, Cardiff.
“Wales can’t expect to get results by being scared to go wide and play using their talented backs.”
Morale seems low among Wales fans coming into the Six Nations but, actually, this year’s autumn internationals, at least on paper, are a significant improvement on last year.
In 2020, Wales failed to win four of six games, losing to France, Scotland, Ireland and England with their consolation victories coming against lowly ranked Italy and Georgia.
Yet they still won the following Six Nations.
However, it is the strength of opposition this year that seems to be the main concern for Welsh rugby fans.
“I’m not confident at all that Wales will win the Six Nations this year,” said Owain Ap Myrddin, 21, of Cardiff.
“Ireland, England, and France have enjoyed great autumn campaigns and have beaten teams such as the All Blacks, Australia and South Africa.
“With Ken Owens, Faletau, Tipuric, and North to come back from injury Wales will be a different side in a couple of months’ time. Never write us off, but I believe that we’ll do well to win all our home games this year.”
