Six Nations 2020: Pivac hails Adams as one of the world’s best

Wales coach Wayne Pivac has described Josh Adams as one of the best players in the world after his hat-trick in the 42-0 Six Nations win over Italy.

It was Adams and fly-half Dan Biggar who accounted for all of Wales’ points in the opening 40 minutes as they effectively sealed victory thanks to the former’s first-half brace.

Nick Tompkins added a try on his debut and, after having one ruled out by the TMO, George North touched down to clinch a bonus point, before Adams completed his hat-trick after the 80th minute.

Adams was the top try scorer at the World Cup in Japan last year and Pivac is no doubt that he is among the very best on the planet.

“On the biggest stage in world rugby he was the top try scorer, so he has got to be right up there,” Pivac told a media conference. “That record speaks for itself.

“What I liked was his last try and he could have easily just parked up on his wing, but he came close to the ruck and scored late on.

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“With Stephen Jones running our attack and the way we want to play the game, wingers get more opportunity potentially, so I think he will enjoy the way we play.”

Pivac also praised replacement centre Tompkins, saying: “Nick showed the time he was on the field he has a lot of talent and ability. A lot of people know now who Nick Tompkins is.”

Biggar pulled off a stunning pass between his legs for Adams’ second try, much to the delight of Pivac.

“It just shows the confidence he has at the moment,” he said. “Dan is a very confident guy and he knew exactly where his wing was and the situation, and he had the skill to execute it brilliantly. I was very pleased with Dan all around and he had a very good game.

“He was one of the guys who was leading our line speed and I thought he had a pretty good all-round game.”

Italy’s interim head coach Franco Smith was full of praise for Wales’ display and had no complaints with the result.

“Wales are a top side,” he said. “It’s a pity that we had to have our first start in this way against them.

“But then again, I’d rather lose against the best the way we did than maybe just lose against another team that is not in the same form that this team is. I think Wales rugby can be proud of this group of men they’ve got here.”

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