Preparing a side against Gatland like dating a new girlfriend still pining for a very visible, much-loved ex-boyfriend
In truth, Wayne Pivac will have been glad to wave the Barbarians wagon out of town. The consummate professional, he knows the game needed to be played and it will have served as a useful dry-run to the Six Nations, which will be kicking off in 62 days. Logistics, squad-meet up, targets set, coaching team familiarising themselves with existing backroom staff. All boxes were ticked, however for Pivac, preparing a side against Warren Gatland was like being introduced to a new girlfriend who was still pining for a very visible, much-loved ex-boyfriend. Coaches rarely get to choose their own ending but Gatland did and the long goodbye ended with an ovation for him that was both generous and heartfelt yet as Pivac alluded, prior to the game there was no chummy ‘best mates’ act. He had a job to do. A mutually respectful beer afterwards was mooted but the ex-Auckland detective will be glad he can finally start to put his own imprint on a Welsh side with Gatland 12,000 miles away.
A crowd of north of 62,000 trundled into the Principality Stadium in another money-spinner for the Welsh Rugby Union. Despite grumblings from regional fans, after a largely humdrum start to the season it was confirmed a portion of the gate receipts will find their way into the regional coffers, and not a moment too soon. The reason for such a healthy gate against a not-so-star studded Barbarians line-up was two-fold. To usher in a new coaching era and to bade a sweet farewell to Gatland. Both objectives were successfully accomplished but there was plenty to dissect as the supporters headed for the nearest hostelry.
Yesterday's meeting with @Barbarian_FC saw us welcome an exciting new coaching regime, and say farewell to an icon of Welsh rugby who created over a decade of great memories. #DiolchWarren pic.twitter.com/JdaVwMJWVw
— Welsh Rugby Union ??????? (@WelshRugbyUnion) December 1, 2019
There was early food for thought for George North, watching from the galleries with Alun Wyn Jones and Liam Williams. As early as the third minute Johnny McNicholl was popping sumptuous offloads to Ken Owens. Since bullocking onto the national scene in 2010 with a brace of tries against South Africa at just 18, North has been an automatic pick on the flank for his 91 Test appearances. With 39 Test tries for Wales, and 41 overall, he is the highest international try-scorer still in action. At just 27, it must be pointed out that he still has much to offer Wales but the eligibility and obvious class of McNicholl means he now has a bonafide challenger for the Welsh shirt. After 12 tries in the last 12 months Josh Adams deserves to be an automatic pick. Often, new caps can freeze under the spotlight of a nation but the New Zealander seemed to thrive from performing on the most grandiose of stages. His confidence to step Josh Strauss while running the ball from deep in his own backfield showed his confidence and he was rewarded for his early ambition with a classy finish in the corner. Pivac admitted afterwards he ‘loved it out there’. Even with Liam Williams a doubt for the start of the Six Nations, Wales’ back three options look well-stocked. Adams, North, McNicholl and Leigh Halfpenny are considered first-choice and one will have to miss out. The former Crusader is more than capable of playing at full-back so his fellow Scarlet Halfpenny will also be feeling the heat. These are the problems Pivac wants to have.
One coveted piece of the new Wales selection jigsaw under Pivac will surely be Taulupe Faletau but for now he’s being nursed back to health. The erstwhile No 8, who has endured some wretched luck with injury in the last 18 months, has just turned 29, and still has many years ahead of him but you wonder if Wainwright, 22, has been earmarked to follow his illustrious predecessor. With Ross Moriarty run down and out with infection and Josh Navidi still recovering from a hamstring strain incurred in the World Cup quarter-final, it was instructive to see Aaron Wainwright tasked with covering the No 8 position. With his best position in the backrow yet to be decided, he acquitted himself more than adequately, carrying aggressively around the fringes, hitting good lines and interestingly, working the tramlines, along with Justin Tipuric, in a way that was reminiscent of the former Dragon. Still learning the nuances of playing at No 8, it was an encouraging cameo.
It's Wayne's world now for Wales and he's off to a winning start
– @rhigarthjones on 5 things we may have learned from Game 1 ???https://t.co/9dH0k0bMI9
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 1, 2019
As the game unfolded, despite the caveat that it was ‘only the Barbarians’, the interplay and width displayed yesterday was innovative, engaging and frankly, a breath of fresh air. Wales went ‘coast to coast’ in under three minutes signalling their intent, as backs and forwards looked to keep the ball moving through hands, with Wyn Jones and Dillon Lewis both conspicuous for their dexterity. With Tomos Williams and Jarrod Evans razor-sharp, adding invention and trickery from half-back, you would assume the management had given ‘licence to play’ but 16 offloads, 36 defenders beaten and six tries is still noteworthy.
Pivac has been open in saying he’s keen to evolve Wales’ game, as a counterpoint to the oft maligned ‘Warrenball’ and there were enough examples that Stephen Jones is starting to orchestrate a more aesthetically-pleasing game for an expectant public. Those supporters may have to choose whether they want to be entertained and lose the odd game or play pragmatic, muscular winning rugby because history tells us you can rarely have both.
Key to continuity in Pivac’s fledging days are his ‘over 30’s. Like an x-factor audition band, the ‘overs’ can state with confidence that Wales hasn’t seen the last of them. With a change of coach, there is often a temptation to undergo a root and branch upheaval at the end of a World Cup cycle. To jettison players who have served you heroically but have slipped the wrong side of 30 for bright young things lauded up and down the country in media missives, pubs and on the terraces. Wayne Pivac has, reassuringly, decided not to cast aside all Wales’ pre-1989 vintage reds. Justin Tipuric, 30, was typically industrious, earning turnovers, providing neat interplay all over the park and holding up tacklers with typical aplomb. Hadleigh Parkes, 32, was all vim and vigour, only a month after running himself to standstill; hitting lines, tackling robustly and showing more than an ounce of finesse with the ball in hand as he scanned for space. This nuggety attitude was exemplified by Ken Owens, 32, however, who put in tub-thumping performance full of wit, endeavour and raw power leaving Pivac in no doubt he is not about to slip away quietly. One ferocious rip of the ball from the bear-like Bastareaud was majestic, as were the tip-ons, pop-passes from the deck and thunderous ball-carrying into contact. Leigh Halfpenny, 31, was also a dependable presence with the boot, and full of running.
Three amazing talents say goodbye to rugby – Rory, Campese & Schalk ?
Our squad were strangers at the start of the tour but this is the level of respect & friendships they’ve forged together??#Baabaas #rugby #rugbyunited ? pic.twitter.com/V9NtfWSanU
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) December 1, 2019
Pivac will need to judge when his talisman have served their purpose in a Welsh shirt but now is patently not the time.
For all the bonhomie and talk of new beginnings, there is plenty of tinkering to do under the hood. Kick-offs were underwhelming as Wales failed to secure ball on three occasions. In defence, the last six weeks of Shaun Edwards weren’t the meanest of his 12 year tenure, with 18 tries shipped in the World Cup campaign, and Wales again looked inconsistent in the tackle area. Josh Strauss was felled by Wainwright and Tipuric but still managed to crawl five metres to score, while the impressive Curwin Bosch was given the freedom of Cardiff when spotting the gap to canter through a prone Owens and scrambling Sam Davies and score in the second-half.
Sixty-six tackles were missed between the sides in all, as 76-points of festive frivolity unfolded but Byron Hayward will know tightening up needs to be done as Wales were also caught narrow in defence in the second-half, and went from 33-7 up after 47 minutes to a nervy 40-33, 19 minutes later as the bench was emptied and Wales lost shape and rhythm.
Indeed, they needed Halfpenny’s composure to make sure of the result on 76 minutes, and it was mildly comforting to see Wales hadn’t completely lost their pragmatic leanings, even against the BaaBaas. The win mattered.
It’s been a long time coming but we can finally say the Pivac era is up and running.
Watch: Steve Hansen reveals new job
Comments on RugbyPass
Just like John Plumtree at the Sharks he has had a poor start to this season’s coaching gig, but now it looks like he is starting to pull them back also having won 1 game in the first Eleven games they played. It obviously helps that 11 of his fifteen are Springbok players. But now they are starting to improve. No ways they can make it to the playoffs this year but they probably used this season as a way to figure out their game plan. One query I have and I think quite a few people have is: Are they playing better simply because of their international players are back or is it the team strategy led by Rob Penney that is starting to tick? Well I guess we wait and see. Also if it doesn't work out this season, it might be that Rob Penney is using this season as a way to organize himself for next season. Getting all his combinations sorted, his team strategies sorted and figuring out who is best is which position. Now I don't follow Super Rugby any more having now a full focus in the URC but I was surprised about the current Crusaders stats.
10 Go to commentsIf I’m a little bloke, who’s just had possession of the ball, I should expect to get cleaned up by Samipeni Finau if he’s opposite me and I do nothing to avoid him. FTFY You’ll need to rewrite the rest of your article now Hamish Bidwell. I’m not sorry for having missed reading this one. I find it hilarious it’s only the static aussie 10s, just waiting there, that are getting smashed. Move on your feet guys, haven’t you watched DMac and Mounga play for the last decade ffs. Chin up, at least your smiles should return when BB returns to SR next year and there’s more 10s to the fodder.
7 Go to commentsFinau is not leaving a lot of room for error that’s true, but he committed to 3 out of four tackles when the player had the ball so that’s all legal. (And incredibly entertaining)
7 Go to commentsHow does the size of the ‘bloke being hit’ factor into this? If you’re on the opposing team you are fair game. Is Finau the first person in history to target the first five? It seems like this is a great strategy to interrupt your opponents attack. As far as I’m aware, of the four excellent hits on Aussie first fives this year only one of them was ruled late. So if crying about legal tackles isn’t whingeing, then what is it?
7 Go to commentsThings I want to pay attention to this series. 1) Nothing against the other teams in 6 nations, but apart from Irelands loss to england, I dont feel they got tested, So I think this might be tight. 2) Rassie wants to build depth, and would rather do it before a world cup, but I am sure deep inside, he will be reminded that we have not beaten Ireland in years. 3) Will our new coaches plans be sound abd organised in time for the Ireland series? Remember our warm ups might only see our second or third string players available (When are we going to have one universal calander year?) 4) I see Ireland have moved on from Sexton, but what will Farrels plans be for SA? I am sure he will go for a full strength squad. 5) I think the test for the springboks will be the Durban game, it will be in winter, so not too hot for the Irish,no altitude, and it rains allot, might remind them of home. Loftus, if the springboks play the right game, I feel altitude like with most games before, can cause some challanges. 6) Off topic, but who is both Anxious and excited about what the Abs are coming with? A whole new coaching team and different style of play.
117 Go to commentsMost underrated player in world rugby.
2 Go to commentsHow many fans will travel to Qatar to watch these games ? because if they dont, it will be played in front of a few disinterested unknowledgeable Qataris and then just becomes media ‘content’. Thats what Test rugby will be reduced to.
1 Go to commentsSo as long as the playmaker still has the ball IN his hands, its OK. Otherwise the timing is wrong and he’s a liability. No grey line there. Thats the rule he is advocating ? Got it.
7 Go to commentsWrite them off at your peril
10 Go to commentsJust fantastic that the professional game is finally being taken to the Pacific islands. Not before time. It justifies the mere existence of Moana as a club, hopefully they can start to get some positive results too. Check out the sheer joy of the crowds in Fiji and the buzz that having a home team creates. Tonga always had (has ?) issues with their ground not complying with International rugby standards, which NZ always used as an excuse for many years not bringing the All Blacks over. Hopefully this match is the first of many. Would be great to see some tourism grow on the back of it. I once went to the Cook Islands Sevens in Rarotonga - tiny island nation but man did they turn it on. Tonga and Samoa will too given half a chance.
1 Go to commentsQuite right. Punish the time wasters. Its BS these time delays for non-injuries. The Boks have been using it for years now to slow down opposition and now its a scourge on the game. Put players like DeGroot on the sideline and restart play immediately. Watch how 5-6 min to fix your boots quickly becomes 1-2 minutes. Better still how about some personal professional management and you check the conditions/turf beforehand and get yourself better prepared. It might even help your team.
1 Go to commentsWhat drivel. Rugby as a contact sport should not be further diminished by crying over legal hard tackles. Take on the line? Be ready to take the hit. This is PC nonsense.
7 Go to commentsGregor Paul is going to be proved totally wrong. The Crusaders will get in the top 8 and are capable of winning this comp. The return of magnificent captain and player Scott Barrett on Friday was huge. There are a number of players returning and Ethan Blackadder showed huge progression in only his third game back. Christian Lio-Willie has added a new dimension , these two’s combination with Cullen Grace was fantastic. This builds depth when you have outstanding players like Tom Christie and Dom Gardiner also available. The tight five improved ten fold and this is with Tamaiti Williams and Codie Taylor being back.Others are set to return. Johnny McNicoll on his return home has been a revelation. Paul can dismiss Fridays win by the Crusaders as much as he likes and he will prove very popular in this country in doing so. But he will be proved wrong , Rob Penney and his coaching team will have the last laugh.
10 Go to commentsI haven’t seen or heard to many whinging about Finau quite the opposite. The TMO’s have reviewed each time and taken no action, so if they have now been alerted it’s not from people whinging The player comes flying out of the line and launches himself at the attacker so it is probably ruled as a committed tackle, but at what point does it move to tackling a player without the ball Time will tell
7 Go to commentsThis cracked media record of aligning success or failure on head coaches is remarkable. Using the crusaders past history as an example, a more sensible observation and analysis could be that the recent head coaches had inherited a extremely successful combination of players linked to their traditional historical support of the Canterbury people. That period ended this year when the new coach was introduced to virtually a new team. And in a year where other franchises have grown much stronger than their respective past, it was always an anticipated reality that the coach and his new crusader team were up against it. Therefore, I humbly believe that unlike some commentators present, I laud coach Penny and the team for their efforts to date and I am sure given another term and with Canterbury behind them they will be riding high once more. Strange all this coming from me who lives in Taupo and a one eyed chiefs supporter. Can't wait for all future chiefs and crusader games!
10 Go to commentsGrt bench player..keep him there..
3 Go to commentsA Springbok 2-0 win: haha told you we were champions now shut up An Irish 2-0 win: the referee was under orders from world rugby to cheat us but luckily we don’t care because this is part of Rassie’s grand world Cup plan.
117 Go to commentsI hope they didn’t pay Jones fee?
2 Go to commentsTo be fair, the teams he's had to put out are reminiscent of those available to Gatland during his horrible run at the Chiefs in late 2020. Anyway, he's only got a two year contract and Wellingtonian Tamati Ellison will be ready by then, as will a lot of talented youngsters (like the Chiefs Gatland blooded). The Crusaders are planning for the long term.
10 Go to commentsGreat to see more community spending leading to higher participation in the community. It's a long road but that's a good first step.
2 Go to comments