adminBLOEMFONTEIN. – Head coach Wayne Pivac insists the job is not done after guiding Wales to a historic first win against the Springboks in South Africa.
After losing the opening game in Pretoria, Wales levelled the series against a much-changed South Africa side thanks to Josh Adams’ late try and Gareth Anscombe’s touchline conversion.
The series decider will take place in Cape Town next Saturday.
“It’s not done. It’s two down with one to play,” said Pivac.
“It’s two tight contests coming down to the last plays of the game. We’d like to think we’ll put up a fight next week, similar to these first two weeks.
“It’ll be an enjoyable week because there is something on the game and, in the past, it hasn’t always been that way. So there is a lot to look forward to.”
Pivac paid tribute to the first Wales side to defeat Springboks in South Africa.
“We were [so ecstatic] at the end,” said Pivac.
“Probably not so much because of the history, though we’re very well aware of that and proud of it.
“But it was more the disappointment for the players who had put in such a huge shift last week.
“There was so much disappointment in the changing room when we’d worked so hard.
“We wanted to create history last week against the side we were up against. To be denied that was frustrating.
“There was a lot of emotion that poured out. It was more around the feeling from last week, which we’ve taken into this week.
“I’m just happy for the players who did so well last week but didn’t get across the line.”
Pivac praised his side’s character after they bounced back from trailing 12-3 with Anscombe converting Josh Adams late try.
“To come back to get that result and the way they did it makes me very happy,” said Pivac.
“Our discipline was a lot better in the pressure moments, in the last quarter.
“We were able to get some field position and have one last crack ourselves to get across and score the only try of the game.
“And then to hold out that last scrum. That was a big moment for us as well and for young Sam Wainwright, on his debut, to go in and do such a good job, I’m very pleased for him.
“I’m just pleased for the side after last week, it was obviously a very disappointing changing room. Now it’s a very happy one.”
Pivac was heavily criticised after Wales were defeated by Italy on the final day of the Six Nations in a tournament where they only won one game and finished fifth.
Now Pivac has achieved something none of his predecessors could boast of. – BBC Sport
Online Reporter