Wales backs coach Mark Jones admits that the national side's problems cannot be fixed in a week after the loss to Ireland.
Basic errors in attack denied Wales several key opportunities in last Saturday's 22-30 defeat, with Jones admitting that the coaches and players are working on it "constantly" to prevent missing out on more two-on-one situations.
"You can't fix it in a week," said Jones to WalesOnline.
"It is my job as a regional coach to make sure these players are put in these scenarios at regional level so when they come to this environment, which is very much performance and results based, the basic skills are in place.
"We all have a responsibility to make sure these players are tested at the highest level so when they do come here they execute those skills.
"I think you saw some great skill levels at times in terms of creating opportunities but then there were very basic errors in not executing two on ones.
"I didn't like seeing three on two situations being blown when I was on the wing and it is an area I put the players under quite a bit of pressure.
"We are working on it constantly but it is not an easy fix. You have to keep going with it and it is a matter of time."
Jones has also words of support for centre Jonathan Davies, who produced some poor handling at crucial moments against Ireland last weekend.
"Jon was very disappointed with his level of execution, particularly with some of his passing during the game," added Jones.
"He is not a natural passer. He is very athletic, he's fast, he's got a good outside break and is an excellent defender.
"So he works particularly hard on the handling side of the game because he realises that is the biggest area of the game he can make an improvement on.
"He is under no illusions. He doesn't think he is anything he's not and, fair play, he's been working with me already this week and we'll continue to work until the end of the week to see if we can improve that part of his game."
Comments
jamesliveinhope says...
@Isograford apart from the "top" bit you might be right.
Posted 09:23 07th February 2013
jontheref says...
I tnink you will find it is the last 10 months.
The beggest influence, of negative influence to be correct is the coach.
OK, gatlandwas hobbling about during some of it, when we had an increase in performance, but Howley has been the man, and they have slid, and slid.
Poor selection, even down to the composition of the bench, non decisions about replacing players during games, it all adds up.
Go back to Aus last June, Wales had lost two tests, Priestland had kicked away the ball to deny what was a needed victory.
Hook has a great game in the midweek game.
Hook to start the 3rd test?
No, it is Priestland again.
he is very blinkered, and as any coach knows, you have to see the big picture.
Change of personnel can improve the chances for saturday, but I wonder if he has the nounce to do it.
Posted 08:12 06th February 2013
atg77 says...
Most of Wales' losses since their grand slam have come against the big three SH teams, who they have a reletively poor record against. You have to put their situation in perspective.
Posted 00:41 06th February 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
England did not slide in 03/04. They went off a cliff.
Posted 21:19 05th February 2013
Isograford says...
They might be giving the All Blacks of 97/98 and the English side of 03/04 a run for their money in terms of the biggest slide from the top ever.
What on Earth has happened to this team in 15 months??
Posted 18:52 05th February 2013