News

No fairytale finale for incoming Wales coach Pivac

WaynePivacScarlets2000
Future Wales head coach Wayne Pivac did not sign off on the high note he had hoped as his final game in charge of the Scarlets ended with defeat to the Ospreys in the Guinness PRO14 Champions Cup play-off.

Future Wales head coach Wayne Pivac did not sign off on the high note he had hoped as his final game in charge of the Scarlets ended with defeat to the Ospreys in the Guinness PRO14 Champions Cup play-off.

In a straight shoot-out to become Wales’ sole representatives in European club rugby’s top-tier competition next term, the Scarlets were defeated 21-10 at the Liberty Stadium and will play in the Challenge Cup for the first time in 2019-20.

Pivac will replace Warren Gatland as Wales chief later this year and will lead the 2019 Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam winners as they bid to defend their crown in 2020.

He conceded that the Scarlets sold themselves short this season as they missed out on Champions Cup qualification but is hopeful that better times are just around the corner in Llanelli.

“We wanted to make a scrap for every possession and work hard for each other,” said Pivac, who guided the Scarlets to the Guinness PRO14 title in 2016-17 and another final the season after.

“Generally, we did that but there were key moments we let slip. The Ospreys took their opportunities and thoroughly deserved their win.

“Sometimes, you are not good enough on the day and come up against a side who deserved to win.

“You have got to make your own luck in seasons.

“There were four or five games this season we were good enough to win and we didn’t, and we paid the price.

“We spoke in the changing room after the game – it is not about winning the Challenge Cup next year, it is about winning the PRO14.

“I think we have the nucleus of a good squad and if they get a good run next year in terms of availability of players, they will be knocking on the door for honours.”

Wales winger George North got the ball rolling for the Ospreys while his international colleague Jonathan Davies went over for the visitors, with Leigh Halfpenny also slotting a penalty and a conversion.