"It would be massive" – Wales head coach Matt Sherratt looks to end losing streak in England clash
Today at 03:14 PM
In his final game as interim head coach for Wales Gloucester born, Matt Sherratt insists that stopping England from winning the 2025 Guinness Six Nations would be 'massive' at Principality Stadium on Saturday.
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The Cardiff coach has made only two changes to his side that lost 35-29 against Scotland. With Tom Rogers out due to a fractured thumb, Scarlets Joe Roberts for the first time in his professional career will play on the wing. Aaron Wainwright is the only change in the forwards as he replaces Tommy Reffell. The 27-year-old will join back-up with his 2023 World Cup counterparts Jac Morgan and Taulupe Faletau.
Saracens, Nick Tompkins is the only change on the bench as interim head coach, Sherratt has resisted the urge to make more changes to his team that will be aiming to put an end to their torrid run of defeats. Sherratt addressed the media at Wales' training camp in the Vale of Glamorgan in the pre-match press conference.
1. Sherratt explains what a win over England would mean for Welsh Rugby
Wales come into the contest on the back of 16 consecutive Test defeats, with the last win being at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. They have also lost their last eight matches at the Principality Stadium, and in recent times against England the head-to-head has not been favourable for them. Their last win against them came back in August 2023 in a World Cup warm-up match, where it finished 20-9.
"It would be massive. That's a massive motivation," stated Sherratt.
"It would be huge for them. It's not something we talk about a huge amount or you can get desperate. It's getting that balance between heart and brain. There'll be stacks of heart. We need to get our game on the pitch. If that win comes, it would give everyone a lift.
"I think, traditionally, it's what you grow up watching. It's what a lot of your memories are about. Everything has been leading up to Saturday. It won't need an emotional build-up.
"The balance will be about how much detail you give them. It's a seven-week camp and I've only been here for three weeks. It's about not overloading them mentally or physically.
2. Gareth Anscombe remains at outside-half despite Jarrod Evans hype
After the defeat in Scotland, Evans admitted that he thought his international career was over but was grateful for the recall. He replaced Anscombe and was a major catalyst in the improvements of Wales' attack in the final 40 at Murrayfield.
On potentially picking the 28-year-old over Anscombe, Sherratt added: "If I'm honest, no.
"For the reason being, sometimes with half-backs, the early part is navigating the way through it. Jarrod is one of the best attackers in the game. I knew if he comes off the bench and we need something, he'd bring it. But it's a different situation.
"I think Gareth's best when he's in the moment and just plays the game. He does a lot of prep. The key is having a clear mind. If he puts us in the right areas of the pitch, links the play and gives the team solutions. Those three things are what we need."
3. Joe Roberts to start on the wing for very first time
On placing the Scarlets centre on the wing, Sherratt said: "Obviously the wing was forced.
"Unfortunately, a couple of wings have had to leave camp. I've been really impressed with Joe's (Roberts) attitude in camp. He doesn't overthink it and he backs his ability."
4. Sherratt will coach his final game for Wales on Saturday- 'I've loved it'.
With Warren Gatland leaving his role as Wales head coach after the 22-15 defeat to Italy in February, Sherratt was announced as the new interim head coach for the remainder of the Six Nations. In his short period in charge of the national side he has brought back some sort of feel good factor into Welsh Rugby, despite both games being defeats against Ireland (27-18) and Scotland (35-29).
On his spell as Wales' head coach, Sherratt with a bit of emotion insisted: "I've loved it. It's been brilliant for me and my family. That's been a massive influence for me, having my sons at the game. Seeing them enjoy it is massive. It's been a pleasure to do. Getting to know the new players.
"Some of the boys I've coached before. But it's been great coaching a new bunch of lads. The staff and the players here, I know we haven't had the results, but there's a huge amount of effort and positivity."
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