Five reasons why Wayne Pivac’s Wales CAN be successful in the 2021 Six Nations

By Louis Holbrook

THE squad has been named, the pre-tournament debate has begun.

While under the current circumstances there may be a flat feel about the annual Six Nations build-up, the competition is going ahead and so it’s time to start chewing over the main points of interest.

So what of Wales’ chances after a disappointing 2020? Don’t get too negative….here’s five reasons why Pivac’s men are well well primed to make their mark.

Pivac is no mug

The former Scarlets’ boss’ win record currently stands at 30%. In other words he’s presided over three wins in his first 10 games.

But to dismiss his credentials because of that would be premature.

Pivac’s transformation of the Scarlets and that famous 2017 Pro12 title win cannot be forgotten.

He has a philosophy and a style players like and who says he can’t replicate his regional success at Test level? Only a fool would write off the Kiwi.

Squad mix

With a lot of up and coming talent such as Louis Rees-Zammit and Rhys Carre, Pivac has been spoilt for choice with selecting his squad for the Six Nations.

Players like Rees-Zammit are vital to a successful tournament and also leading up to the 2023 World Cup.

With some of Wales’ big names nearing retirement age, it’s good to see players of such a high standard being rotated into the team to eventually replace them.

Some more of the seasoned young players like Aaron Wainwright have of course been involved before Pivac’s arrival. But the coach hasn’t been afraid to freshen things up. Let’s hope younger players can make their presence felt in Test match combat.

The return of Lions heroes

Seeing names like Ken Owens and Taulupe Faletau is certainly a sight for sore eyes for Welsh fans who witnessed the games during the Autumn Nations Cup last year.

Put it this way – the return of players of this influence and experience is absolutely key for Pivac and a major boost for the squad as a whole.

Wales lost out up front in the autumn, but the battle for forward supremacy will be no less frenzied come the Six Nations. Wales need all the gnarled know-how they can call upon.

Coaching staff

Although having the right selection of players is instrumental, the coaching staff is just as important.

Many were alarmed that Sam Warburton, one of Wales’ greatest players, was replaced by Gethin Jenkins for the technical role of breakdown and defence.

Warburton later admitted the coaching life is not for him, but if anyone knows how to succeed in the tournament it is the four-time Six Nations winner Jenkins.

Jenkins doesn’t suffer fools – and his track record in the game means he will command respect.

So, with the likes of Stephen Jones and Jonathan Humphreys still on board, as well as Jenkins, Pivac is surrounded by good counsel.

Ruthless streak

In his squad selection, Pivac has shown he isn’t afraid to make big decisions or tough calls

He notably denied Rhys Webb a spot in the squad due to his lack of pace compared to the scrum-halves that he did go with (Gareth Davies, Tomos Williams and Kieran Hardy).

Webb is a big name and a proven Test performer. Leaving him out would not have been a flippant decision.

But few have quibbled with the decision.

Pivac has made his choices. He will stand or fall by them in the next two months.