 Wales' game management against the Boks has been criticised |
Former captain Ieuan Evans says that Wales' improvement under new coach Warren Gatland will be "dramatic". Speaking on BBC Wales' Scrum V rugby programme, Evans cited naive play in the 12-34 loss to South Africa, played under caretaker coach Nigel Davies.
Gatland takes over next month and Evans expects rapid change, but warns we must look at deeper problems in the game.
"I think the initial improvement will be dramatic, but the next step will be the crucial one," said Evans.
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"Gatland's focus will be the Test team, but we need to deliver a sustainable future for Welsh rugby and that will be the job of the [yet to be appointed] Elite Performance Director [EPD].
"On the field, though, there appeared to be a frantic desire to do something out of nothing, then you look at South Africa and they were simply ruthlessly efficient.
"We were lateral, lacked aggression going into the tackle and made mistakes when we had attacking chances. There is a lack of mental toughness."
 | Wales are tactically naive and try to play too much football |
Evans' views were supported by former Wales captain and outside-half Jonathan Davies.
"[South Africa coach] Jake White was right when he said it's all about composure," Davies told Scrum V.
"Wales are tactically naive and try to play too much football. They fail to cross the gain line and don't kick enough from bad ball.
"You can't question the commitment and the talent is there, so over the next four years we need continuity with players and coaching staff.
"Gatland is a very good coach, and he will bring maturity, discipline, a set-piece platform, and a strong defensive pattern.
"Beyond that, the EPD needs to go knocking on [Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive] Roger Lewis' door to get the money and resources for the grassroots game."
Davies believes that a place needs to be found within Welsh rugby for Nigel Davies and the rest of former coach Gareth Jenkins' back-room staff.
"They have all gained so much experience from what happened at the World Cup," said Davies.
"We can't lose that and there has to be a coaching role for them at some level in Wales."
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