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Scarlets fans turn on Pivac after woeful season
By Josh Raisey
After the Scarlets fell to a 34-32 loss to the Dragons at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, many fans have pinpointed where their season has gone wrong.
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It was the first game that the Dragons have won away from home since March 2015, and was the final nail in the coffin for a Scarlets side that have been a far cry from the team that made the Pro14 final and Champions Cup semi-finals last season, as well as winning the Pro14 the season before.
Many Scarlets fans have blamed the announcement of Wayne Pivac as Wales’ new coach as the turning point in their fortunes, and the beginning of their decline.
The New Zealander was announced as Warren Gatland’s successor in the summer of 2018, leaving him in charge of the Scarlets for one more year before Gatland moves on after the World Cup. While it may have been in the interests of the Welsh Rugby Union to make this announcement early, Scarlets fans feel it has had a detrimental affect on their season.
Some feel that Pivac has note been solely devoted to the team this season, which is understandable as he will have one eye on the job ahead.
However, had he not already secured his next job, some Scarlets fans have even argued that he would be sacked come the end of the season, which leaves Wales to question whether they made the right decision with his appointment.
This is what the fans have said:
Amazing to think that if Pivac hadn’t been named Wales Coach he’d be looking for a new job on Monday. #ScarletsChallengeCup #JudgementDayVII
— Phil Grey (@Greyo1970) April 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/TRW91/status/1122157694259990530?s=20
Well pivac will be gone after 1 year with wales
— andrew pittham (@pitthams) April 27, 2019
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The lack of intent and application should be surprising. The way standards have slipped meaning it isn't a surprise is all on the coaches.
— Gareth (@GarethJC10) April 27, 2019
Indeed, recruitment was dreadful last summer.
And I don't see much sign of that changing (though Louisi's signing is encouraging).
The announcement of Pivac getting the Wales job was a big distraction too.
But it still doesn't fully explain the decline in performance.— Mark (@mapw4774) April 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/Find_The_River/status/1122557959974850561?s=20
Should have axed Pivac back in October to save our season.
— Baramenyn (@Baramenyn) April 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/MrMarkProbez/status/1122242771216158720?s=20
https://twitter.com/therealconks/status/1122221898857889792?s=20
The Scarlets have only won 10 games so far this season in the Pro14, to go alongside their one victory in the Champions Cup as well. They will now travel to the Ospreys in May to battle in a playoff for the remaining place in Europe’s elite competition. Judging by their current form, there is a likely possibility that Pivac will bow out ignominiously.
It is a shame to see the fans relationship with Pivac turn sour, but something was missing this past season, and many fans are rueing how his departure has been handled.
