Wales boss Wayne Pivac insists he can’t wait to get his first taste of Guinness Six Nations action, as each of the head coaches had their say ahead of this weekend’s big kick-off.
The New Zealander takes the reins in a Guinness Six Nations campaign for the first time at home to Italy on Saturday, vying to replicate the level of performance that earned Wales the Grand Slam in 2019.
But while he acknowledges three-time Grand Slam-winning coach Warren Gatland will be a tough act to follow, Pivac is itching to get the Championship underway in front of what is sure to be a bustling atmosphere at the Principality Stadium.
“It’s going to be challenging but I’m sure it’ll be enjoyable along the way,” he said. “There’s a lot of responsibility because rugby’s the number one sport in Wales and there’s a lot of expectation.
“But it’s a huge tournament and we have a fantastic opportunity. I’ll do the best job I possibly can.”
Elsewhere, Gregor Townsend believes the novelty of the Championship never wears off, as he prepares to take his Scotland side to face Andy Farrell’s Ireland.
He said: “I watched the tournament as a five-year-old, saw Scotland win the 1984 Grand Slam and was fortunate to play for the team as well.
“To still be involved in a coaching capacity at a tournament as prestigious as the Guinness Six Nations is a huge privilege and very exciting. I still get the same feelings now as I used to get.”
