Wales woe – what has happened to last year’s Grand Slam champions?
Wales are reeling from their worst run of results since 2016.
Wales, Six Nations Grand Slam champions last year, are currently experiencing an alarming form slump that has seen them lose six successive Tests.
Here, the PA news agency identifies some of the areas under scrutiny.
What are the harsh facts?
It is only 15 months ago that Wales were officially ranked number one team in the world. Victory over World Cup warm-up opponents England in Cardiff confirmed their rise to the summit – albeit for only a fortnight before New Zealand reclaimed top spot – after a run of 15 wins in 16 games that included a Six Nations title triumph and Grand Slam. In stark contrast, Wales are currently on a six-Test losing run, which is their worst results sequence since 2012, have conceded 18 tries during that period and fallen to eighth in the world. Defence coach Byron Hayward, meanwhile, left his role last week after just 12 months in the job.
What are the problem areas that need solving?
Do Wales possess the playing personnel to turn things around?
Is pressure mounting on head coach Wayne Pivac?
Is life about to get any easier?
No. Wales should at least end the losing run when they tackle Georgia in Llanelli, but recently-crowned Six Nations champions England are then next up. An Autumn Nations Cup play-off – potentially against Italy or Fiji – will end the year, before Six Nations business begins in February, with Wales hosting Ireland, and facing Scotland away before entertaining England. Away games against Italy and France follow, prior to a scheduled summer tour to play Tests against All Blacks conquerors Argentina. Fortunately for Wales, the 2023 World Cup draw seedings are already locked in – they were determined on world rankings in January this year before the coronavirus pandemic – and Wales are in the top band alongside South Africa, New Zealand and England. Some light relief.
