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Wales need to 'cut ties' with Gatland era - captain Alun Wyn Jones
By Online Editors
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has warned it will be a bumpy road for the Guinness Six Nations champions following Warren Gatland’s departure.
New head coach Wayne Pivac takes up the reins for last year’s Grand Slam winners after Gatland ended his 12-year tenure following Wales’ World Cup semi-final defeat against South Africa.
“It is going to be a bumpy road and we cannot shy away from that,” said Jones, 34.
“There has been a lot of change and, to a point, we have to cut ties with that.
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“But if you continue to look over your shoulder, you will slow yourself down. If we are going to evolve, there are few more things to adapt to, and that is what you want to do.
“I was asked earlier about desire, and why you keep going, and I just remember why I started. I want to play rugby and I want to be involved with Wales.
“It is Wayne’s world now and I am looking forward to what is to come.”
Pivac confirmed that 18-year-old Gloucester wing Louis Rees-Zammit is set to be available for Wales’ opening match against Italy.
The teenager went off injured during his side’s Champions Cup defeat against Toulouse on Sunday.
But Liam Williams, who has not played since he injured his ankle at the World Cup, is not due to return until Wales’ second fixture with Ireland.
“Louis has worked well with the medical team and he will be back training this morning, doing some running with the boys,” said Pivac.
“He will go back to his club this weekend and we will get him back next week.
“Liam is on for round two of the competition. He won’t make the Italian match, but is on track for Ireland.”
PA
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That is a matter of players style of play. Will Jordan's strength is his running . He has been absolutely deadly for the the Crusaders in that position. Especially in years 2021-23. Foster subsequently then Razor put him on the wing. Scored heaps of tries, but as he showed in one test against Australia this year , he scored a try running from the back, that was amazing. That was after Robertson finally put him at 15 because Beauden was injured. Thankfully there Will remained. Speaking of Beauden and kicking. He kicks too much, waywardly as well. Handing the ball back to the opposition. He is an impact player at best.
Go to commentsYet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
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