NZ hooker: Pivac needs time to make his mark with Wales

NEW Zealand hooker James Parsons says Wayne Pivac needs time to put his stamp on Wales after winning just four of 11 matches since he took over.

Parsons, who played under Pivac at North Harbour, believes Wales are one of several big sides currently in transition, and believes fans will need to be patient.

He told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod: “If you look at the other teams that are doing quite well in international rugby, they’ve actually had consistency from the World Cup coaching group through to now.

“I don’t think it’s panic stations, but I understand Wales as a nation... If you think [New Zealanders are] rugby mad, they are rugby, rugby mad. They’ll live and breathe it more than Kiwis at some stages.

“They’ll be wanting instant results, just like our fans do as well. There’ll be a bit of pressure but knowing Wayne Pivac and the character he has and the experiences he’s had, he’ll draw on that and he’ll come out the other side, I have no doubt.

“I just think it just needs time... If you see all the teams that have had change, it’s still going to take time.

“The Wallabies are still learning with [Dave] Rennie, that’s going to take time. Fozzie’s [Ian Foster] come in [to take over the All Blacks] with a new coaching group, that’s going to take time.

“Wales, on the back of a long tenure under Warren Gatland, have now got Wayne Pivac and he’ll have system changes – and that takes time for players to understand, buy into or be able to execute.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand police officer Matt Ratana has been posthumously named as the winner of the unsung hero gong at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Ratana, originally from Hawke’s Bay, was shot dead while on duty inside a South London police station in September.

He was nominated for the award by East Grinstead Rugby Club, where he was a coach.

Accepting the award on his behalf, Ratana’s partner Su Bushby said: “He would have felt humbled by this.

“Matt was a very special man, definitely one of a kind, he touched so many people’s lives. Through his policing, gym, friends and passion for the great game of rugby, he lit up every room and every pitch with his presence, enthusiasm and smile.

“I am honoured to be here standing here to accept this award. Matt is, and always will be, my hero.”