It’s the start of a new era for the reigning Grand Slam champions after the Rugby World Cup in Japan. Head coach Wayne Pivac has taken over from Warren Gatland with his assistants Stephen Jones, Jonathan Humphreys, Hayward, Warburton and Neil Jenkins all working alongside him.
Defence chief Hayward and Warburton – who is a technical advisor helping with defence and the breakdown – have already become very close.
“It’s been very good working with Sam. He’s been looking after the breakdown which is the biggest part of the game we are trying to evolve,” Hayward said.
“We want to make it a decision making process instead of a policy and the decisions we make around that tackle area have a massive impact on defence.
“We want the players to be smart and have good rugby intellect so they make good decisions based on the pictures they are seeing rather than just having a policy where we sometimes over commit which leaves us short in the defensive line.
“I’m working very closely with Sam and I’m really enjoying it. I’m sure Sam is going to be a top level coach.”
Hayward was defence coach at the Scarlets when Pivac was in charge in Llanelli and the pair – plus former fly-half Jones – all helped the region to Guinness PRO12 title success.
Now they are hoping to recreate that with Wales. Pivac’s side will open the Six Nations when they host Italy at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on February 1.
“For me it’s a mixture of excitement and apprehension heading into the tournament. I’m really looking forward to getting our hands on the boys and doing some practical work,” Hayward said.
“The biggest challenge in international rugby is having the players for such a short period of time. I believe the Barbarians game was very good preparation for us to get our philosophies across from me in defence and from Stephen looking at the attack.
“But I don’t see it as a major challenge. We took some good steps forward at the end of November and we’ll be more than ready come the Italy game.
“Italy are a bit of an unknown for us with their new coach coming in. If you look at the way the Cheetahs played under Franco Smith it was very expansive and a totally different game from what you would usually expect from Italy.
“We’ll prepare for both scenarios, but I’m more than confident we can put in a defensive performance against Italy and that’s the important thing for us.
“Momentum is a massive thing with the Six Nations so we have to start well.”
Pivac has named five uncapped players in his first Six Nations squad in Gloucester’s 18-year-old flying wing Louis Rees-Zammit, Saracens centre Nick Tompkins, Sale prop WillGriff John, Wasps lock Will Rowlands and Scarlets wing Johnny McNicholl.
On what he will bring to the Wales set-up, Hayward added: “It’s all about pressurising the opposition with line speed and looking to regain possession as quick as possible.
“That philosophy doesn’t change. There will be a few intricacies that will change from a system point of view, but the boys have been really responsive so far and I’m confident they will deliver come game time. Having worked with Neil for the Barbarians game, I now realise how much of an influence he has on the defensive side of the game.
“The kicking strategy he puts in place has a massive impact on our exits and kick chase. I see Jenks as a huge asset to me.”
Tickets for Wales v Italy on Saturday 1st Feb (14:15) at Principality Stadium are available here.
