CHARDFF, Wales — Welsh interim head coach Matt Shellatt said a 68-14 loss to England has resumed some injuries for his side after a record-breaking defeat at Prince Stadium on Saturday.
It was Wales’ 17th Test loss, leaving a second wooden spoon in the championship.
This was stabbed as Wales collapsed on Steve Borsewick’s side and admitted 10 attempts in the process.
Sherratt tentatively took charge of Wales after Warren Gatland resigned following losses to France and Italy in the first two rounds of the championship. They showed improvements against Ireland and Scotland, but were still lost. And then this cancellation came by England.
“I’m extremely disappointed. There’s no point in going into the details,” Shellatt said.
“It was one of those days that honestly looked like a game. It wasn’t. Likewise, I think we need to know. I’ve probably been pretty emotional for the past 7-8 weeks.
“The playgroup is quite a presence, staff. And we stood up to the good England side as little things in today’s game opposed us and perhaps opened up some wounds.
Sherratt was not drawn to the comprehensive view of Welsh rugby status, but said, “We know where we are, and that’s what we’ll move forward in the coming weeks.”
Sherrat is in the mix of head coaching work despite his distance from his role. Welsh Rugby Union is set to announce the appointments of both the new rugby director and the men’s head coach in the coming weeks. And Shellatt believes there is a reason for optimism despite this record loss.
“The under 20s (Wales) had a good victory yesterday (Friday) and I think there will be some green shoots,” Shellatt said.
“But listen, I think we knew where we were before this campaign started. That doesn’t change. It’s just about getting the next few appointments right and trying to build the base of the game.
“But it is always easy to see the pyramids, national teams, and the region’s peaks, but a good team starts with the grassroots and foundations, the academy.
Sherratt will provide feedback to WRU in the next few days. “I’m not the coach who’s going to say we’re lacking strength,” he said. “My job is to find another way. So, perhaps as a nation, we are playing a faster game, trying out the ball, making better shapes, trying one Vito.
“As I said, my job was to help the team. I’m doing everything I could to help them get the victory. They do so honestly.
“But yes, I’m disappointed that I couldn’t get some smiles on my face in that changing room, which is probably a regret for today. But I’m as honest as possible, as there’s no point in being as honest as possible.
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