Time for those so what should we look for?
IT’S that time of the year when pretty much everyone resolves to do something to improve matters for the next 12 months. Welsh rugby is no different. But in case some have forgotten to make new year’s resolutions, MARK ORDERS offers a helping hand... Ospreys: Secure an electronic tag and strap it around one of Alun Wyn Jones’ ankles That way he might just stick around after his contract expires next summer.
Jones’ worth to the Ospreys is bordering on incalculable: when he plays they are a different team. But he can’t go on for ever and it would be understandable if he were considering all his options as he heads to the end of his national dual contract.
If the Ospreys persuade him to stay, it would be the best piece of business they’d do in 2018. Bernard Jackman: Re-read that book on managing expectations The tome has evidently served the Dragons coach well this term with fans accepting that the first year of Jackman’s time in Gwent would be spent building the squad, setting in place a game-plan and restoring confidence.
Time has been bought, a veritable dream for a coach.
But with Richard Hibbard, Ross Moriarty, Rhodri Williams and Jordan Williams signed up by the Rodney Parade outfit for next season, and Quade Cooper, George North, Taulupe Faletau, Leone Nakarawa and Uncle Tom Cobley all being linked to the Dragons, people are going to expect the East Walians to deliver.
Jackman will know that charisma keeps a coach popular for only so long. There comes a time when fans want a bit more. Wayne Pivac: Don’t change Well, OK, it’s probably all right if you have a change of clothes every now and then, but generally the Scarlets boss needs to keep doing what he has been doing so superbly in 2017.
Pivac and Stephen Jones presided over 22 wins from 25 league matches in the year just completed; they steered the Scarlets to the title and their side played an enterprising brand of rugby that earned them admirers across Europe.
It has been a fine effort from all concerned and even with key players missing over Christmas, they have maintained their impressive form. Cardiff Blues: Remember that a new coach does need to be appointed at some stage It was back in September that the Arms Park region announced that Danny Wilson would be leaving the region at the end of the season.
Since then, the highly regarded Englishman has secured a forwardscoach post at Wasps for 2018-19. But there has been no news on who will succeed him at Cardiff Blues. It is understandable that the region want to get the right man after so many coaches have passed through over the last decade. Perceived instability isn’t a great look or an incentive for big hitters to join either as players or coaches. Geordan Murphy’s name has been touted for the job after he was spotted at the Blues’ home base, but there has been no announcement hailing his appointment.
At some point white smoke is going to have to appear over the Arms Park. Isn’t it? Scott Baldwin: Watch David Attenborough’s programmes more