Pivac has succeeded Warren Gatland in charge of Wales after the 2019 Grand Slam and Triple Crown success and is determined to stamp his mark on the team.
The former Scarlets coach has told his men not to go out and defend the title, but to earn the right to win it all over again this year.
Wales host Italy at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday for the first game of the 2020 tournament at the start of what is a new era in Welsh rugby.
“The guys have been made aware of the style of game we want and the positional and role specifics they will have to play,” said Pivac. “The expectation is we are going to move a bit more ball and what I’m seeing at the moment is a great reaction. We’ve got a good vibe in the group and if the training sessions are anything to go by, we’ve got guys putting their hands up to take to the field.”
Pivac continued: “The boys had a fantastic competition to win the Grand Slam last year. History says this year is going to be tough with England and Ireland away, but that’s the challenge.
“That’s what motivates the best players and coaches. We think we have a draw that lends itself to us building into the competition. With no disrespect to any opponent, I think it’s nice we’ve got a home game to kick it off and you can certainly sense there is a bit of excitement.
“We are going to evolve our attack and that will take a bit of time. It took a bit of time with the Scarlets and I’m sure it will be no different at international level except we have got a higher calibre of player to work with across the board.”
Pivac took charge of Wales for the first time against the Barbarians in November, but that game was a non-capped international making the Italy fixture the New Zealander’s first competitive encounter.
Earlier this month he named a 38-man squad which included five uncapped players – Nick Tompkins, Louis Rees-Zammit, Will Rowlands, WillGriff John and Johnny McNicholl.
Of those 38 players, Pivac has lost one with Cardiff Blues wing Owen Lane having suffered a significant hamstring injury in training.
After a fourth-placed finish at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, Wales are looking to build further with the 2023 tournament in France the long-term goal.
No 8 Taulupe Faletau said: “It’s definitely different to what I’m used to and what I’ve had from Gatland and his coaches. Going into camp I’m obviously delighted to be there, but there is definitely a change in approach from the new management. I’m going to enjoy getting stuck into it.
“The group that is there at the moment will take a lot of confidence from what they’ve done in the past and will look to build on that. Hopefully the new management coming in can take our game to the next level and I’m sure they’ll back themselves to go again this year.”
Sale tighthead prop John is experiencing his first taste of the senior Wales environment but knows he is surrounded by experienced players who know how to succeed in Test rugby.
“There is no reason why we shouldn’t stand a chance to win it considering there are still quite a few players from last year’s Grand Slam here,” said John.
“We have some outstanding new coaches and we can’t wait to get started. It will obviously be very difficult because there is so much quality in the Six Nations, but on our day we can beat anyone.”
Wales haven’t lost to Italy since 2007 and the Azzurri have never won in Cardiff since joining the Six Nations. The 2020 tournament will be their 21st season in the Championship.
Italy are now coached by Franco Smith and captained by hooker Luca Bigi with Sergio Parisse – who has skippered the team for so long – absent for the Cardiff clash.
“I think there will be a lot of continuity. I think Wayne is very smart in the way he goes about things,” said Smith. “He spent five years in Wales – there’s a reason why they’ve appointed him after Warren. It’s going to be again a big physical challenge, but I do think they will bring a bit of an attacking edge. The style Wayne played at the Scarlets will be noticeable in the new approach.”
