Wales v England in Autumn Nations Cup: Eddie Jones backs Wayne Pivac

England head coach Eddie Jones has expressed support for Wayne Pivac as his Wales counterpart seeks to improve his side's recent poor form in Saturday's Autumn Nations Cup match.

Wales have won two of their eight Tests since Pivac replaced Warren Gatland, most recently claiming a laboured victory against Georgia.

But Jones, whose side face Wales in Llanelli, says if Pivac "is given time he'll do a great job".

"It's been a tough time," Jones added.

England's head coach also told BBC Sport: "The media and fans are going at him. People tend to look the other way when they see you.

"You see board members in the corner talking. You go and get petrol, the guy at the petrol station tells you who you should pick.

"He'll be feeling the pressure now but he's a good, young coach and if he's given time he'll do a great job for them."

Jones added: "I know Wayne. I met him way back in 2007 in Suva.

"He was coaching Fiji and I was working for World Rugby. We spent a little bit of time together and I've followed his career since.

"He's a good young man and he deserves some time to be a good coach for Wales and he will be.

"But, at the moment, when he sees a board member, they turn the other way and it becomes difficult.

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"You start looking for shadows in the corners and start seeing meetings between people. It's a tough time.

"He has taken over from a successful coach in Warren Gatland, who did a great job with Wales, and wants to play a slightly different way.

"That will always come with criticism. I can remember Warren being criticised for the way his team played.

"Wayne had a great run with the Scarlets and deserves the opportunity to coach Wales. The media is going at him, but they need to give him time."

Wales welcome England, who lead Group A, to Llanelli having lost eight of their last 11 Test matches.

Under Gatland, Wales won a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2019 before losing to eventual champions South Africa in the World Cup later that year.

Wales have also won their last two home games against England and Jones is refusing to let their recent form breed complacency in his camp.

"They are a very good team," he continued.

"They have had a tough run but we all go through tough runs. Wales have had a change of coach who has tried to change their style.

"He wants to play a more attacking, wider game. They are a dangerous animal.

"You have to keep your focus, keep doing what you're good at and I'm sure they'll turn it around. Hopefully not on Saturday though."

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