Fans back Pivac to be Wales success
THE majority of Welsh rugby fans believe Wayne Pivac will turn out to be a success as head coach of Wales.
Pivac has encountered a turbulent start in his role as Wales boss, suffering defeats to Ireland, England and France in a disappointing Six Nations campaign earlier this year.
However, in a survey conducted by WalesOnline, 61 per cent of respondents believe the Kiwi will come good at the helm of the national team.
Pivac’s first year in charge has faced significant disruption due to the coronavirus pandemic, but they are set to face finish their Six Nations against Scotland this autumn, before playing in a oneoff competition.
They are set to meet England, Ireland and Fiji in their pool before a play-off game. There is also room in the calendar for a warm-up match before the competitive games get underway.
The 1,433 fans who took part in our survey also identified seven uncapped players that they’d like to see given a chance in the coming months. The most popular was Gloucester try sensation Louis Rees-Zammit, however Taine Basham, Willis Halaholo, Ben Thomas, WillGriff John, Dewi Lake and Bristol’s Dan Thomas all had mentions.
Earlier this year, there were a myriad of reports that the Six Nations could be moved from its traditional February and March slot, to April and May in order to find a place in a new global calendar.
And 64 per cent of respondents said they would be in favour of the move, with rugby potentially being played in better weather and warmer temperatures.
On the regional front, fans are expecting the Scarlets to be the most successful Welsh region when next season begins after a summer of impressive business both on and off the field. They were followed by the Cardiff Blues, the Ospreys and Dragons.
Elsewhere, a substantial 85 per cent of fans canvassed would back the development of a British and Irish League, that would see the professional teams from Celtic nations merge with English Premiership clubs.
There has been plenty of speculation in recent months that we could see more South African franchises joining the Guinness PRO14 as their continued participation in Super Rugby looks to be over. The vote was close, but 55 per cent of fans would be in favour of more South African sides joining the league.
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