Dragons will need to deliver

ALUN WYN JONES admits the pressure is on as Wales look to build on Warren Gatland’s legacy.

Gatland ended 12 trophyladen years in charge with fourth place in Japan.

It was the last tournament for the Dragons boss and he will be succeeded by fellow Kiwi Wayne Pivac.

Iconic Wales skipper Jones (above) said: “Warren’s success has been unrivalled.

“That foundation is there now and to achieve what he has means we’ve re-established Welsh rugby.

“Change is on the horizon. The age-profile and experience of this squad is something the coaching setup coming in is going to be licking their lips over.

“They will have people with international experience already. If you marry that up with the foundations that have been set, it’s great for the guys coming in.

“It also puts the pressure on, but Warren has left not only something for the players to build on, but something for the nation to hang their hat on. You can’t take that away. It’s massive.”

Gatland (above) and his Dragons fell short as they suffered a 40-17 defeat by New Zealand in the Far

East’s bronze medal clash.

“I was there in 2007 when we didn’t get very far in that World Cup. Warren has created expectation on us,” said Jones, 34, who played in his fourth and last global showpiece in Japan.

Former Guinness PRO12winning Scarlets head coach Pivac’s first game in charge with Wales will come against a Barbarians side – who will be masterminded by Gatland – on November 30.

Flanker James Davies, who played under Pivac at the Scarlets, said: “I’m sure he’ll have a different style of play, but he’ll want the attitude the players have shown to carry through.”