No permanent ambition for Wales interim Sherratt

Flankers Jac Morgan and Tommy Reffell started in the Wales back row for the first time since October 2023

Men's Six Nations: Scotland v Wales

Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh Date: Saturday, 8 March Kick-off: 16:45 GMT

Coverage: Watch on BBC One and S4C. Listen live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app.

Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt says he is not interested in taking on the job permanently despite overseeing an outstanding display in the 27-18 defeat against Ireland.

While Wales ultimately fell to a 15th successive Test defeat with Ireland claiming the Triple Crown in Cardiff, the hosts were a revelation in their first game since Warren Gatland departed as head coach.

Sherratt, who masterminded arguably their best performance since the 2023 World Cup when Wales beat Georgia in their most recent Test win, was installed for the rest of the Six Nations.

Barely a week into his role following Gatland's exit - and after just four training sessions - Sherratt moulded a display few expected, with some bookmakers giving Wales a 25-1 chance to win.

Having signed a long-term contract as Cardiff boss Sherratt had insisted he is not interested in the permanent role, and says that remains the case.

"It is the same answer, I've loved today and enjoyed watching the players perform," said Sherratt,

"But I'm pretty certain on my next steps and that's back at Cardiff."

Overcome by occasion

Sherratt says he was almost overcome by the emotion of the day in Cardiff.

"I loved everything about it and the journey into the ground was unbelievable," he said.

"It was quite emotional. I'm probably lucky I didn't see my family or I'd have embarrassed myself on the bus and cried in front of the boys.

"It was just a great occasion, a brilliant atmosphere and enjoyable day."

Sherratt also praised the attitude of his side, who were drawing 18-18 against the defending champions midway through the second half.

"We got a bit more of the training week on the field than I imagined," he said.

"Credit to the players, we've only had three days training. To replicate what we did Tuesday and Thursday, as many times as we did, I was pleased.

"It shows a good group who were very engaged all week.

"We asked for two things: to show the crowd some emotion and ambition and do that within the structure, which was important. We did that.

"It looked like we stood for being brave, which is what we talked about."

Red card controversy

Ireland lost centre Garry Ringrose to a 20-minute red card after 34 minutes for a dangerous high tackle on centre Ben Thomas.

Ireland's ability to return to 15 men because of the 20-minute red card early in the second half helped clinch the victory, especially with centre Bundee Aki coming on and proving so influential.

"Everyone is very clear on what the laws are," said Sherratt.

"It's not something I've hugely thought about. It's just about, in that 20 minutes, making as much of that opportunity as we could. In general, we did."

Ireland battled back from 18-10 down with Sam Prendergast kicking 17 points and number eight Jack Conan and full-back Jamie Osborne scoring tries.

Wales scored tries through captain Jac Morgan and wing Tom Rogers, plus two Gareth Anscombe penalties and a conversion.

Sherratt's Wales at times looked on course to deliver one of the biggest upset in Six Nations history.

There was late drama when debutant wing Ellis Mee went agonisingly close to a try that might have snatched it before it was ruled out.

"That was a big moment, it was a very tough call," said Sheratt.

"You could tell that by the length of time it took. You never know if that's awarded.

"Ireland are a good team and they have a habit of finishing strongly."

Maintaining the bounce

Wales now travel to face Scotland in Murrayfield on 8 March before hosting England in the final match in Cardiff seven days later.

Sherratt will lose his English-based club players next week and knows he will have to battle to maintain the positivity.

"I'd love to have all the players in on a fallow week and we could get some good work done," he said.

"It is a disadvantage, it's new to me as the English-based boys go back.

"We can do bits and pieces with the boys that are left.

"What today has done has 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. A fresh voice, a different attack.

"The challenge is building on that bounce over the next couple of games."

Sherratt says he is not sure whether this weekend will lift the negativity within Welsh rugby, after the Wales Under-20s side defeated Ireland.

"My mindset on these three games is I'm not going to get bogged down by that," he said.

"I'm not interested in what's happened in the past.

"I've just got to be authentic and coach how I believe the game should be played and make sure I instil some belief in the players.

"Hopefully the effect of that is a positive one on Welsh rugby."