With the 2023 Six Nations and World Cup fast approaching, the Wales head coach faces a crisis in confidence
WELSH Rugby Union officials are holding crisis talks on the future of head coach Wayne Pivac after Wales lost three of their four autumn internationals — but what do the fans think?
The disappointing autumn campaign, including a first defeat to Tier Two side Georgia, comes eight months after Pivac’s side finished fifth in the 2022 Six Nations, culminating with a first home defeat to Italy.
Pivac took the reins in 2019 when Wales were second in the men’s world rankings — 13 wins, one draw and 20 losses later, Wales are languishing in ninth, behind Scotland and Argentina.
With signs of improvement hard to find, fans are no longer only pointing the finger towards performances on the pitch, but Wayne Pivac’s seat in the stands.
The decision will be made behind closed doors, but it is notable that Wayne Pivac’s coaching has lost the confidence of a large number of fans.
Rugby writer Robert Rees, 24, told The Cardiffian that only finances and the lack of time that any new coach would have before the 2023 World Cup are keeping Pivac in post.
Pivac should probably go as the structure and game plan have lost all meaning. Subs come on for the sake of bringing men on, rather than with tactical nuance.
Deon from Bridgend is another fan who has lost confidence in the Kiwi coach.
Early on, I think you could kind of see some signs of a game plan focused around an expansive and passing game. However it’s never flourished consistently enough. Too many changes in players and not picking the right players to fill those roles shows.
Former Tonga international and Pontypridd and Pontypool prop Ngalu Taufo’ou, 53, thinks that the current crop of players need to take their share of responsibility for recent results.
Still provide Pivac with the chance. It was more player complacency than the manager’s game management. Write off the Six Nations, give him a chance to blood the youth in time for the World Cup and see how they perform. If he can’t get the new crop of players behind him, then he’s got no chance.
CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union Steve Phillips was frank about the national team’s struggles in a statement released on Sunday, a day after defeat to Australia at the Principality Stadium.
“With no disrespect to Georgia, who are a growing force in the world game, this result was extremely disappointing.
“We were anticipating a significant improvement against Australia and there was an obvious positive reaction but, again, we are of course disappointed not to have won that game.”
The WRU will complete a routine review of the Autumn Nations Series with an eye on the “short-term goal” of the 2023 Rugby World Cup and “immediate” challenge of the 2023 Six Nations.
