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Alun Wyn Jones says Wales will not be looking back when they start Six Nations life under Wayne Pivac on Saturday.<\/p>\nAlun Wyn Jones says Wales will not be looking back when they start Six Nations life under Wayne Pivac on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The reigning Grand Slam champions begin a new era of their international history against Italy in Cardiff.<\/p>\n
Warren Gatland\u2019s success-laden reign \u2013 a 12-year stint which saw Wales win three Grand Slams and reach two World Cup semi-finals \u2013 ended earlier this season.<\/p>\n
His fellow New Zealander Pivac is now at the helm, and although he had a trial run with a non-cap fixture against the Barbarians two months ago, the serious business is about to begin.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, it was a long period that \u2018Gats\u2019 was here, and with the success he had,\u201d Wales captain Jones said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it\u2019s the first one for Wayne, and I am conscious \u2013 and the group is conscious \u2013 that we are not going to look back.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe new management is in situ, and the focus is on tomorrow and what is to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cTime will tell (how different it will be). We have had a few weeks together and we are all raring to get out here and see where we are.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had an influx of young players about 18 months to two years ago, and the experience and success is something we want to build on as a group with the new faces in the management as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pivac\u2019s first Test match team shows just four changes from the Wales side beaten by World Cup semi-final opponents South Africa in Yokohama.<\/p>\n
Only the injured trio of Jonathan Davies, Gareth Davies and Tomas Francis \u2013 plus number eight Ross Moriarty, who is on the bench this weekend \u2013 miss out following that 19-13 defeat.<\/p>\n
So there is a considerable element of continuity, boosted by returning back-row star Taulupe Faletau, as Wales look to make an immediate impression under their new head coach.<\/p>\n
Pivac said: \u201cI am really looking forward to it. I\u2019m excited to see the way the boys are working in and around the environment, and there is a good vibe around the place.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are working hard for each other, and that is exactly what we want.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou do your homework. You get a rundown on the players that you are inheriting.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be honest, any surprises have been pleasant surprises. I am very happy with the entire group at the moment, and there are a lot of good conversations going on between the coaches and the players.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gatland injected an air of expectation among the Welsh public, elevating Wales into consistent performers on a global stage.<\/p>\n
It makes him and his coaching staff a tough act to follow, but Pivac enjoyed considerable success with the Scarlets and he has assembled an outstanding Wales support group in Stephen Jones, Jonathan Humphreys, Byron Hayward and Neil Jenkins.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first thing is, we are no different. We are passionate about the game and we want to win,\u201d added Pivac, whose two sons have traveled from New Zealand to watch his Six Nations bow.<\/p>\n
I am sure I will enjoy it internally and I will have a smile on my face. It will be a very proud moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very conscious of focusing on how we want to play the game. It\u2019s about making sure we prepare well and put on a performance that we as a group are proud of.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can do that, then I am sure the spectators and everyone else will enjoy themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked if he will allow himself a moment on Saturday to let everything sink in, Pivac said: \u201cIt is business as usual, but it will be a special moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am sure I will enjoy it internally and I will have a smile on my face. It will be a very proud moment.\u201d<\/p>\n