Stuart Barnes has claimed Wales fans will be slow to forgive Rob Howley for the failure of the Six Nations campaign.
The former England fly-half, who played for Welsh Schools, has said he does not envy the Wales coach following back-to-back defeats in the tournament.
The losses to England and Scotland, following the failure to gain a bonus point against Italy, has got Barnes in a lather.
He says: “I wouldn’t like to be a part of the Welsh management team this week. Wales is not a forgiving country for a coach whose team has failed.
“The performance against England is the only one where Wales have looked anything like sharp with the ball in hand.
“They scored a fine try on Saturday and Rhys Webb was extremely lively at the base of the scrum, but overall Wales were a gear or two down from the one at which they played against England.”
Wales now face Ireland at home next week, with a trip to Paris to play France on the final weekend.
Writing in his column for Sky Sports, Barnes adds: “The thought of three straight losses with an away game to come in France will focus them, if anything will, for the massive match with Ireland a week on Friday.
“It’s a compelling tournament. Wales could yet finish in credit with two wins, or they could collapse entirely.
“Ireland are strong contenders to win the title yet defeat in Cardiff and it could end with a poor record of two wins and three losses. It’s all on a knife edge.
“The control exercised by Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton against France re-emphasised the fact that these are the men to start at half-back for the Lions….if fit.
“Tough times could be lying in wait for Italy and Wales in rounds four and five.”
Barnes does, though, have praise for Gavin Henson’s match-winning performance for Bristol against Bath. And he was impressed by the victories earned at the weekend by both the Scarlets and the Ospreys.
He adds: “Away from the international scene, the earth moved in the West Country. Bristol beat Bath. The celebrations at full time were something to behold both on the pitch and in the stands.
“The players knew it was a step towards escape. This was a derby game with a bite, not to mention a fine performance from Gavin Henson.
“In the Guinness Pro12, honours go to the Scarlets who beat Munster in Limerick. A magnificent effort and with the Ospreys almost ending Glasgow’s hopes of a play-off place, it was quite the weekend for the Welsh regions. That was some consolation at least.”
