Wayne Pivac: Wales have grown throughout the Six Nations

Wayne Pivac believes Wales have shown growth through this season’s Guinness Six Nations as they bid for a third-place finish.

A bonus-point victory over Italy on Saturday could see Wales take third spot, depending on how England and Scotland fare in their final games.

Wales’ title defence floundered on a miserable start against Ireland, while further losses followed against England and France, albeit by a combined margin of just eight points.

We've grown throughout the competition, which has been really, really pleasing- Wales head coach Wayne Pivac

They also went into the competition without injured British and Irish Lions Alun Wyn Jones, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Ken Owens, Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau.

Navidi and Faletau are now back in the starting line-up, and Jones returns this weekend after more than four months out with shoulder trouble to win his 150th Wales cap.

“At the start of the competition we had probably written it off due to the absentees,” Wales head coach Pivac said.

“But certainly, we’ve grown throughout the competition, which has been really, really pleasing.

“You’ve got to remember when you get players in from the four regions and the fifth region, which is the English Premiership, bringing it together takes a little bit of time.

“History will show that, but also some of the big names we had to replace and the lack of form some players came into the competition with meant it was always going to be a bit of a challenge.

“I don’t think we are too far off, and with some other players to come back into the mix going forward for the summer tour (to South Africa) we are in a reasonable space.

“I think it’s a step in the right direction in terms of the experiences some players have