‘No hiding place’ for Wales against Australia
CARDIFF - Neil Jenkins says “there is no hiding place” for Wales in their Autumn Nations Series finale against Australia.
Wales tackle the Wallabies on Saturday seven days after losing at home to Georgia - a result that has piled pressure on head coach Wayne Pivac.
Pivac has won just 13 of his 33 Tests in charge since he succeeded fellow New Zealander Warren Gatland after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and is set for a huge encounter against another Kiwi Dave Rennie, who's overseen a disappointing tour for Australia.
And while there have been major highs, such as winning the 2021 Six Nations title and defeating the Springboks in South Africa, Georgia's
success against Wales came just eight months after Italy also triumphed in Cardiff.
Wales have won their last three Tests against Australia, but even a fourth victory on the bounce might not be enough to appease Pivac's critics.
“It's tough - I am not not going to lie,” Wales assistant coach Jenkins, their former kicking great, said.
“It is incredibly disappointing, which is probably putting it lightly. It's one of the darkest days, but you have got to go again. We've got another Test match on Saturday, and it is important that we turn up and front up. We don't want to be in that position. We don't want Wayne in that position. None of us want to be in that position.
“It is important that collectively - players, staff, everyone - come together quickly, which I think we've done, and turn up on Saturday. There is no hiding place. We need to be ready to go on Saturday.
“It is horrific, absolutely horrific. I am a passionate Welshman. I am desperate for Wales to do well.
“It could be tiddlywinks, I want Wales to win and be successful. Whether I'm involved in that or not is irrelevant to me, I want Wales to be successful.
“I want to win Test matches. That is what I am here for, to be successful and win.” ■