'Can we build on this?' Matt Sherratt sets Wales challenge

Interim Wales head coach Matt Sherratt believes his side’s Guinness Six Nations defeat to Ireland has “whet people’s appetites” for what the team can achieve in the future.

Sherratt was unable to prevent Wales slipping to a 15th successive Test defeat as he oversaw his first match at the Principality Stadium since replacing Warren Gatland but there was certainly cause for optimism.

Wales led 18-10 early in the second half and although Ireland recovered to score 17 unanswered points and claim the Triple Crown, the hosts played with a belief and intensity hitherto unseen during this year’s championship.

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It was an improvement made all the more impressive by the fact it came only five days and four training sessions after Sherratt began his role in earnest last Monday.

He now has a fortnight to prepare for their next Six Nations assignment, a trip to Edinburgh to play Scotland, albeit he will be without the squad’s overseas-based players next week.

Although he admitted losing the likes of Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams and Tommy Reffell during the fallow week would be a “disadvantage” he was enthused for what lies ahead.

“It looked like we stood for being brave, which is what we’ve talked about,” he said of the performance against Ireland.

“What today has done is whet people’s appetites in terms of can we build on this? I’ve been coaching long enough, there’s always going to be a bounce.

“There’s a fresh voice, a different attack, there’s going to be a bounce. The challenge is trying to build on that bounce over the next couple of games.”

Sherratt and his methods have certainly gained the approval of Wales captain and try-scorer Jac Morgan.

The flanker, who burrowed over shortly before the break to give Wales their first half-time lead in a home Six Nations match since 2021, said it was “good to be able to have a clear plan in attack”.

“The boys are excited,” Morgan added. “A message Jockey’s [Sherratt] been driving throughout the week was that enjoyment.

“We felt that’s something we’ve had throughout the week and going out today trying to play in a way and enjoy playing and take the opportunities when they’re there.”

Sherratt admitted to feeling emotional as the team bus made its way through the streets of Cardiff on the journey towards the Principality Stadium ahead of kick off.

“I was probably lucky I didn’t see my family on the way, I’d have probably embarrassed myself on the bus and cried in front of the boys,” he said.

But the experience – which he described as a “great occasion” despite defeat – has not weakened his resolve to treat his role as anything more than a caretaker one.

“I loved today,” he said. “I really enjoyed watching the players play as well, but no I’m pretty certain on my next steps and that’s back at Cardiff.”