Dan Biggar, Wales’s leader in the Six Nations, says he is proud of his country but that it won’t change his character or abilities as a player.
Biggar succeeds Alun Wyn Smith as Wales defend their title away from Ireland on 5 February.
“I’m very happy that Wayne” [Pivac]He called me Sunday night and offered it to him.”
“I didn’t want it all to be about me, or change me as an individual with the lads, or anything like that.”
Biggar acknowledged that he was subject to some criticisms from his teammates when the announcement was made Tuesday. But now, he is “really excited”.
He believes it is crucial that Wales gets off to a great start in Dublin, as they have “traditionally been quite slow starters” in the tournament.
Biggar explained to the Welsh Rugby Union, “There’s no room for that with an at-home game first, then a really difficult game against an improved Scotland side.”
The first week will be all about drip-feeding information and getting the boys up to speed. Some lads will see a greater intensity in training. It’s all about getting to a better place by the following week than we were when we arrived on Monday.
Wales will be without Jones, the skipper, and his unparalleled international experience.
Biggar said, “Obviously, we’ve lost much of the experience and a lot more caps in the lads that are missing, but this presents an opportunity to young lads or boys in that mid tier to really step forward and show leadership qualities.”