No English allegiances for Wales coach Sherratt

Wales vs. England in the men’s Six Nations

Cardiff Principality Stadium Date: Saturday, March 15 Kick-off: 16:45 GMT

This weekend, interim Wales head coach Matt Sherratt will find himself in an unusual situation.

When the two teams meet in Cardiff’s Six Nations final, the English-born coach will be plotting the defeat of England in his final game as interim head coach.

Sherratt was raised in a family that was ferociously divided between his English father and his Tredegar-born mother, who was born in Gloucester near the famed Kingsholm stadium.

“I probably passed through generations,” I said. In the 1970s, I probably wore red a little more, but in the 1990s and the early 2000s, my father’s voice probably predominated the house a little more.

Will it be strange to watch an Englishman play rugby in Wales this weekend?

There are no doubts on allegiances because I’ve been working in Wales for so long and I’ve become a fan when I’m not coaching.

I’ve been coaching a lot of Welsh players before and have a lot of personal relationships with them, so I’m more interested in that than the country I was born in.

After Warren Gatland had left after the 14th successive defeat in Rome, head coach Sherratt, came in for a three-game break.

He claimed that because his brother-in-law was turning 50, he was supposed to be watching the game next door to the Arms Park clubhouse. Tickets for this weekend’s game have soared even higher in the family.

When asked about Sherratt’s final game in charge, he expressed his gratitude for the significant contribution that his family has made.

Sherratt said, “I have a wobble probably two or three times per season, as soon as it becomes about family it’s pretty easy to go,” as the Cardiff boys will say.

But the family and I both enjoyed it and I have loved it, and I’m not going to hide from it.

“Getting on the pitch afterward is my son’s main motivation.” To allow him to take photos with Finn Russell, I knocked on the door to the Scottish changing room.

Sherratt’s final training session before the England game provided plenty of fun for the beleaguered Wales team, which has brought cheer to the struggling nation.

The losing streak to 16 has now been extended to two more defeats due to Ireland and Scotland.

Wales have always been on the lookout for Grand Slams or Six Nations titles on “Super Saturday.” They are now attempting to avoid a further Wooden Spoon in succession.

The statistics are shocking. In October 2023, Wales won their most recent test match victory over Georgia, a member of the World Cup pool.

Wales are working to avoid a 17th successive Test defeat, which would be the most for a tier one nation in the professional era, having been defeated in all four of their previous matches.

With the previous victory over Italy in March 2023, they are hoping to avoid an 11th consecutive defeat.

For the first time in their history, Wales are competing to avoid a clean sweep of defeats at successive tournaments.

The myth that Cardiff offers home comforts has also been dispelled. After defeating England in August 2023, Wales has lost its previous eight home games.

Former teacher Sherratt acknowledged that he had considered the impact that the losing sequence would have on young captains like Jac Morgan, Dafydd Jenkins, and Dewi Lake before he agreed to play the part.

Sherratt said, “I remember watching the games more as a supporter and seeing Jac, Dewi, and Daf in interviews afterwards.

I hoped it wasn’t something they were bringing home with them because I coach and perhaps an ex-teacher.

They ought to be enjoying playing for Wales at this point in their careers.

“Those three lead by example, and I am aware of how important it is for them to represent Wales.”

Sherratt vows to never put his hat in the ring, despite what transpires this weekend in Cardiff.

Even if Wales defeated England, he has consistently maintained that this three-game jug was temporary.

Sherratt stated, “I’m going to return to Cardiff as head coach on Monday.

“On that, I’ve not changed. It’s a big job, and the campaign has been incredibly enjoyable for three games.

It’s my instinct, and it probably doesn’t work for me as a coach where I am right now.

“I’ve been a head coach for 18 months, and I didn’t feel pressured into it,” said Cardiff.

I’ve always been aware of where I’m headed in my development, and I think I need a little more time as a club head coach.

Wales lock Dafydd Jenkins claims that the situation “cannot happen” and that England will be able to win the Six Nations trophy in Cardiff on Saturday night.

Sherratt said, “I’ve not thought about that; I would just like the team to do well for the team.”

Everything I’ve tried to do was to focus on what is best for both the team and Wales.

And achieving that elusive victory? Sherratt remarked, “It would be enormous.”

That is a significant motivator. With a win, I’d love to seal the deal, not just for the players and staff who have been around a long time.

It’s crucial that it’s not something that camp members discuss frequently or you might become a little desperate.

“Emotions may take over some technical or tactical aspects.” On Saturday, there will be lots of heart and emotion. It achieves the perfect heart-brain balance.

If that victory occurs, it would be a huge boost for everyone, especially when England is at home.