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'The last step': Wales to play strongest team from now to the World Cup says Pivac

By PA
Wayne Pivac, head coach of Wales talks to their side following their defeat in the Six Nations Rugby match between Wales and Italy at Principality Stadium (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Wayne Pivac has indicated Wales’ South Africa tour this summer will effectively ramp up preparations for next year’s World Cup.

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Wales face the world champion Springboks in a three-Test series in July, returning to action following a dismal Six Nations campaign.

That tournament ended with Wales suffering a first home defeat against Italy, which hardly augers well for tackling South Africa.

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“It (tour) is the first step and the last step if you like,” Wales head coach Pivac said.

“It is probably the last step for a few players to show they can compete on a regular basis at this level.

“It’s probably the start of (when) we are not going to be tinkering too much with selection.

“We will be looking to play our strongest side now through to the World Cup, and we make no apologies for that.”

Pivac, meanwhile, said that he has had “very, very positive” discussions with Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips.

“We certainly had a good discussion around the Six Nations,” he added.

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“We do a normal review internally, our reports go through, and then obviously the powers that be have their discussions.

“My discussions I’ve had with Steve have been very, very positive and they have all been about preparing the side through to the World Cup.”

The South Africa tour will take place against a back-drop of uncertainty in the Welsh professional game.

Among several proposals included in a report commissioned by the Professional Rugby Board to look at how best to move the game forward is a reduction in the number of regions from four to three.

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Also reportedly being suggested is a merger between the Scarlets and the Ospreys, although the Swansea-based team have made it clear they would oppose this, while funding is an ongoing source of debate.

Pivac said: “The sooner we can get full alignment and everybody working for the common good, then I think that has got to be a positive, not only for the national team but also for the clubs.

“I know there are a lot of people who have got their heads down at the moment and trying to get the best possible solution for everybody going forward in Welsh rugby.

“I think there are some people in the game in Wales that know there needs to be some change. What that change is exactly, time will tell, or if it remains exactly the way it is and somehow we find some more funding.

“But I do know that everyone is working in the best interests of the game, and we want to pull together to make sure we get the best outcome for the national team and the clubs.”

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Bull Shark 14 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically. I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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