Pivac frustrated with Bok loss but happy with Wales progress

CAPE TOWN : Wales coach Wayne Pivac believes his side have taken a big step forward following their series defeat in South Africa and given themselves a platform from which to build ahead of the next Rugby World Cup in France.

Wales lost series decider against the Springboks 30-14 in Cape Town on Saturday but Pivac says they have improved from the team that limped through the Six Nations and ended that competition with a shock home loss to Italy in March.

They claimed a first ever victory in South Africa in the second test in Bloemfontein and lost the first game by three points in Pretoria as they proved more than a match for the Boks.

"I’m a little frustrated with the scoreline and disappointed with that, but certainly not disappointed with the effort that’s gone into the last six weeks," Pivac told reporters.

"We came here to try and win the series and we were serious about that. The players came together well and we can take a lot of positives for that.

"I’m pleased to have got the history of the win last week but this week there were some big moments where the pressure paid dividends for them (South Africa).

"We need to build on this ahead of the World Cup. There is disappointment at the result but we will have a couple of beers tonight and reflect on what has been a good tour."

Wales were dealt a double blow ahead of the deciding test when they lost number eight Taulupe Faletau in the warm-up and replacement flyhalf Gareth Anscombe to a rib injury late in the week.

"We lost Gareth in the latter part of the week and Toby felt his side. He picked it up in the first test and he gutsed it out last week. He did the right thing and pulled out in the warm-up.

"Josh Navidi reacted well, as did Taine Basham coming off the bench."