TEST IS YET TO COME
Pivac admits Ireland will be a step up after Welsh victory stroll
WALES will be ready for a rude awakening in Dublin on Saturday — aware that Ireland will not walk on to their punches as Italy did.
For coach Wayne Pivac it was a great start to life as Warren Gatland’s replacement. His side scored five tries — including three from Josh Adams — did not concede a point and won so simply that Dan Biggar was free to throw passes through his legs to set up scores.
But given the gulf in class between the sides, there was no great hysteria after the victory.
‘We’ve put this one to bed, we’ll review it, and then it’s about Ireland,’ said Pivac.
‘It’s going to be a massive step up from where we’ve been. It’s been quite a nice start with the Barbarians and getting a lot of firsts out of the way and then having this home match and getting five points.
‘that’s been pleasing but we’re under no illusions it’s a real step up now. It will be another level.’
Pivac has selection headaches of the positive kind after Saracens centre nick tompkins, 24, was so good off the bench that he might push for a start.
‘nick was given an opportunity and he took it with both hands,’ said Pivac of the former England Under 20.
‘you love to see that on debut. the try he got — we were seeing that at training with his footwork and acceleration.’
Scrum half Gareth Davies is fit for the next one and will challenge the excellent tomos Williams and Rhys Webb.
Centre owen Watkin could also come into contention but Liam
Williams is unlikely to be ready, having not played since the World Cup due to an injured ankle.
Someone who will certainly start is Biggar. His audacious pass between his legs to set up Adams’ second try was the move of a man who can do no wrong at present.
‘the boys have given me a bit of stick, I think I could have just passed it normally, said Biggar in typically self- deprecating style afterwards.
‘It was slightly behind me, so I thought I would just flick it and hope for the best.
‘I feel pretty good in myself, it feels like I am in decent nick at the minute. It’s just about carrying that on for as long as possible and then when I have a bad game, I am sure I will get slagged off again!’
Like Pivac, Biggar knows the honeymoon is over. ‘next week is going to be a completely different challenge,’ said the 30-year-old.
‘As much as we probably want to play as much rugby as possible, next week is probably when you have to roll your sleeves up away from home.
‘you have to put the hard yards in first before looking to do anything too fancy.’
Wales have done things the other way round at the start of this tournament — a fancy show before the fight. this evisceration of Italy — their 23rd defeat in a row in the Six nations — was all too easy. Italian rugby looks to be in more of a nightmare state with each season, but there will be no time for Welsh day-dreaming in Dublin.