Speaking to the media ahead of Wayne Pivac’s Six Nations debut Alun Wyn Jones spoke of how it’s the beginning of a new era and how he keeps his excitement going 134 caps later.
Robert Rees brings you the best nuggets from the huddle.
Time to look forward – Alun Wyn Jones
“It’s good, there’s been a lot of change and look forward to a new era under Wayne Pivac.”
“Obviously it’s a long period Gats [Warren Gatland, former head coach] was here, 11 years. But it’s the first one for Wayne and I’m conscious and the group is conscious that we are not going to look back. The focus is on what’s to come.”
Time will tell on Pivac game plan
Despite an obvious visual difference and focal point between the two game plans, Gatland vs Pivac, Jones is keeping his cards close to his chest on how the Pivac era will look;
“Time will tell, we’ve had a few weeks together. I think we’re all ready to get out here and see where we are, obviously we had the BaaBaa’s game in the autumn which is a different environment.
“We had a good vibe in camp and had a lot of energy.”
Italian grit!
Italy lie in wait for Pivac’s men and Alun Wyn Jones believes they could be a surprise package;
“It’s been a lot of change, a new coach and captain. They’ve always been a surprise package, you don’t really know what they’re going to bring.
“You don’t know what they’re going to do with the pack of what they have at set piece. Franco Smith has his shower of achievements, he likes to use the ball and mix things up.”
New and returning players ready to put hands up
“I think when we spoke last year and during the World Cup, we’re a smaller nation and everybody is available for selection will be looked at, that’s the case with Johnny [McNicholl] getting his opportunity and Toby back in the fold and Webby on the bench.
“In Welsh rugby you want everybody available and to put their hand up.”
“Main photo credit”
