Why Pivac’s brave Wales calls are really paying off
WALES fly-half Dan Biggar is nursing an injury, but it is hoped he will be available to face Italy in the penultimate Six Nations match for Wayne Pivac’s men.
As for scrum-halves, Kieran Hardy has been released from the squad and returns to the Scarlets for rehabilitation for a hamstring injury. Tomos Williams, meanwhile, is in training after an injury of the same nature.
Biggar was replaced early on in the second half against England last weekend after taking several knocks, and it’s now emerged he has a leg injury.
Wales attack coach Stephen Jones said: “Biggs has an injury that he’s nursing but we’re very optimistic for next week.
“We’ll find out on Monday [how much training he can do] but the reports are pretty optimistic that he’ll be available to us.”
Northampton Saints boss Chris Boyd is expected to rest Biggar for the club’s clash with Harlequins on Sunday, saying: “Dan has a small tweak in a part of his leg that was a bit uncomfortable.”
Jones dubbed Hardy’s exit from the Wales squad as “unfortunate” given his splendid performance against England, catching Eddie Jones’ men off guard with a tap-and-go penalty to go over for a try.
“He’s worked particularly hard on his game to improve aspects. He’s a very fit guy, works hard on his fitness.
“We thought his performance was excellent and it’s unfortunate that he’s not in a position to back that up.”
Tomos Williams is taking part in training after his own hamstring issue, but Jones confirmed Wales will not be replacing Hardy given Gareth Davies and Lloyd Williams are also in the squad.
Wales are busy preparing for their next Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome on March 13, and Jones insists there are some aspects of Wales’ game where they “should be asking more questions”.
Happy his side have scored 10 tries in three games so far, Jones added: “We have to make sure we keep working hard to get set quickly, make sure our scanning is better, choose the right side to attack.
“Certain aspects of our attack I was happy with [against England] but there are improvements.
“In the last 20 minutes, it was 24-24 and to score 16 points from there was good game management from the boys.”