The Japan Times - Sherratt says Wales need 'fresh' coach as Six Nations stint ends against England

Cardiff boss Sherratt was parachuted into the Wales position on an interim basis mid-tournament after a dire defeat by Italy signalled the end of Warren Gatland's unsuccessful second spell in charge.

Results under Sherratt have yet to improve as Wales go into their Cardiff clash with arch-rivals England on a national record 16-Test losing streak.

Performances in defeats by Ireland and Scotland have at least revealed green shoots of a potential recovery.

And should Wales upset the odds to defeat Six Nations title-contenders England, pressure will grow on the Welsh Rugby Union to appoint the 47-year-old Englishman on a full-time basis.

But Sherratt, born in Gloucester to an English father and a mother from the Welsh valleys town of Tredegar, expects to return to his day job at Cardiff regardless of Saturday's result.

"My instinct is that it needs someone fresh to come in (to the Wales role). And probably where I am as a coach -- I have been a head coach for 18 months.

"I have always been pretty self-aware in terms of where I am in my development, and I feel I need a bit more time in the saddle as a head coach at club level."

- 'We will get over the line' -

Sherratt's first game in charge of Wales saw Ireland given a huge scare before the double-defending champions prevailed 27-18 at the Principality Stadium following a fine display of attacking rugby by the home side.

Wales then demonstrated commendable grit when, having fallen 35-8 behind away to Scotland last weekend, they rallied late on before going down 35-29 at Murrayfield.

"I said to the group after Ireland, I think we've just got to be in the hunt at the end (of games)," recalled Sherratt.

"I've said to the players not to worry about the end result. If we can be in the fight at 70-75 minutes, at some stage we will get over the line," he added, with Wales trying to avoid a second straight wooden spoon after finishing bottom of last season's Six Nations standings.

England will kick-off on Saturday knowing their clearest route to a first Six Nations title in five years is to beat Wales with a bonus point and then hope Scotland beat tournament favourites France in Paris.

Sherratt, reflecting on his Anglo-Welsh ancestry, said: "I used to have to sit between my mum and dad to split them up! And then I would switch sides, depending on who won.

The Wales boss added: "He (Sherratt's father) is going to the game on Saturday, and I've managed to change him I think (from England to Wales). I don't know how long for, but definitely for this weekend.

"I have worked in Wales for so long, and I have got so much familiarity with a lot of the Welsh players -- probably three-quarters of the squad I have coached before and have personal relationships with -- so I am more interested in that than what country I was born in."

M.Matsumoto--JT