Coach Wayne Pivac has said better days are ahead for his side after a tough Autumn Nations Cup, and the blooding of younger players will ultimately benefit the team as they look to “have a crack” at the Six Nations next year.
Wales won only three of their 10 tests in 2020, two victories over Italy and one versus Georgia, with their latest success secured in an unconvincing 38-18 win against the former on Saturday to finish fifth at the Autumn Nations Cup.
Pivac is optimistic having grown his pool of players and assessed who he believes should be part of their Six Nations selection.
“I think pre-lockdown, we weren’t too far off. Obviously we selected a different kind of squad for this autumn. From what we’ve learned, we’d like to have a crack [at the Six Nations],” he said.
“It’s difficult when you’re making changes, but we were happy to sacrifice some performances. I’ll take that on the chin, but for the Six Nations, we’ll be putting out more consistent selections.
“I think, behind the scenes, we have it nailed down. Today was about guys getting opportunities and building depth.”
Only a late surge with three tries in the final quarter sealed victory for Wales in an ill-disciplined display in which they were largely their own worst enemies, though Pivac still felt their were more positives for his team.
“It’ll definitely benefit the younger boys. There were more positives than negatives. The fact that a lot of boys have got opportunities means we’re in a better position than we were in a couple of months ago.”
Wales open their Six Nations campaign against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Feb. 7.