England coach Eddie Jones has backed his Wales counterpart Wayne Pivac to come good if he is given the time to make his mark.
The two sides meet in the Autumn Nations Cup on Saturday, with Pivac looking to outwit Jones in the first clash between the traditional rivals since England’s 33-30 win in the Guinness Six Nations in March.
Wales ended a six-match losing streak by beating Georgia last weekend and Jones believes the former Scarlets supremo, who has come under pressure during Wales’ tricky run of results, will ‘do a great job’ if patience is shown.
“It’s been a tough time,” Jones said. “The media and fans are going at him. People tend to look the other way when they see you.
“You see board members in the corner talking. You go and get petrol, the guy at the petrol station tells you who you should pick.
“He’ll be feeling the pressure now but he’s a good, young coach and if he’s given time he’ll do a great job for them.”
England currently have control of Group A after two wins from two and a third would secure top spot as they look to add the Autumn Nations Cup to the Guinness Six Nations trophy they wrapped up in October.
There will be no complacency from Jones’ men, however, despite the differing form of themselves and Saturday’s opponents in Llanelli.
England have lost on their last two visits to Wales and Jones insisted his players must be fully switched on to navigate the challenge provided by a ‘dangerous animal’.
“They are a very good team,” he said. “They have had a tough run but we all go through tough runs. Wales have had a change of coach who has tried to change their style.
“He wants to play a more attacking, wider game. They are a dangerous animal.
“You have to keep your focus, keep doing what you’re good at and I’m sure they’ll turn it around. Hopefully not on Saturday though.”
Jones has made just one change to the side which beat Ireland last time out, bringing in George Ford, while Alun Wyn Jones returns to captain Wales having sat out the victory over Georgia.
