SM
Ipswich vs. Man United: 1 hr 18 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Six Nations | Group Stage
Oct 31, 2020 at 2.15pm UK
 
Wales
10-14
Scotland
Carre (31')
FT
McInally (61')

Wayne Pivac: 'We must be more clinical against Scotland'

:Headline: Wayne Pivac: 'We must be more clinical against Scotland': ID:392780: from db_amp
The Welsh have lost their last three Guinness Six Nations matches.

Wales boss Wayne Pivac wants his team to be "much more clinical in the big moments" as they prepare to conclude their Guinness Six Nations campaign.

Scotland are their opponents under an open roof at the Principality Stadium, with Saturday's game going ahead despite world sport being severely hit by the coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Welsh Rugby Union said: "WRU representatives have been in dialogue with Welsh Assembly Government minister for health and social services Vaughan Gething, who provided much-needed clarity on the Cobra meeting held yesterday.

"Throughout, the WRU board have followed the scientific advice of government, Public Health Wales and medical experts and determined that any game would be held or postponed based on that advice.

"Enhanced facilities for hand-washing and sanitisation will be available at the stadium, and there are measures in place to manage any issues with attendees on the day.

"In addition, supporters are urged to follow the advice that is widely available on government websites in relation to the virus."

Wales are on the back of three successive Six Nations defeats – against Ireland, France and England – which they have not experienced in European rugby's blue riband tournament since 2007.

Scotland, meanwhile, will be in confident mood after defeating Italy and then destroying France's Grand Slam dream, although they have not won on Welsh soil for 18 years.

Wales were beaten by England at Twickenham in their last Six Nations outing (Adam Davy/PA)

Wales remain a work in progress under head coach Pivac, who has overseen his first Six Nations since succeeding Warren Gatland.

And their fixture list does not get any easier post-Six Nations, as they have three Tests against New Zealand and an appointment with world champions South Africa scheduled between July and November.

"There were times in the French game that were frustrating, but what we've got to do is be much more clinical in the big moments," Pivac said.

"Clearly, there have been some good tries scored in this tournament and a lot of good ball movement.

"What we are seeing is our decision-making. When you (go) from one style of rugby, which was pretty black and white and one the boys were used to, some of them have got new roles now and it's about getting that balance right.

"Going from one extreme to the other, we are probably somewhere in the middle.

“We are a couple of passes or good decisions away from winning those close Test matches.”
- Wayne Pivac

"It does take a bit of time, and (Wales captain) Alun Wyn (Jones) said at the start don't expect it to happen overnight and there will be some ups and some downs. That's pretty much what has happened in this competition.

"Clearly, we are disappointed with the French game, and getting back into the English game and then having that 15-minute period where we let it slip away again. That's the grey area I am talking about with the players.

"Do we move the ball here? Do we go for field position? That will come in time, but we feel the players are happy and they are enjoying the training sessions, the way we are trying to play the game, and they can see it building.

"They know we are a couple of passes or good decisions away from winning those close Test matches.

"Moving forward, that will put us in good stead for when we play the best teams in the world. You've got to do that to win a Rugby World Cup."

Pivac has made four changes for Scotland's visit, handing a Test debut to Sale Sharks prop WillGriff John and also calling up scrum-half Rhys Webb, John's fellow front-rower Wyn Jones and lock Cory Hill.

Alun Wyn Jones, meanwhile, will equal New Zealand World Cup-winning captain Richie McCaw's world record of 148 Test match appearances this weekend.

amp_article__392780 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-03-13 13:34:24:
html db last update - 2020-03-13 13:34:24 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Wayne Pivac

Click here for more stories about Scotland

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .