New Wales boss calls for ‘mindset shift’ but admits two key areas will be ‘very difficult to change’
Cardiff Head Coach Matt Sherratt.
New Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt feels a mindset shift is what his team need to end their dire 14-Test losing run.
The Cardiff boss was parachuted in as Wales boss following the sudden departure of Warren Gatland, which came just three days after their 22-15 defeat to Italy.
Matt Sherratt calls for mindset shift as Wales seek to end worst-ever losing run
Sherratt, who was previously on the Welsh coaching ticket in 2017, is tasked with the unenviable job of turning Wales around, and he candidly admitted it will be a ‘very difficult’ job with limited preparation time before their next Six Nations Test against Ireland.
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“It’s going to be very difficult. I’ve coached international rugby before and it’s going to be very difficult to change a huge amount technically and tactically in what will probably only be three or four sessions before we play Ireland.
However, despite the tough job now in front of him, he added that the Wales project feels very similar to the one that awaited him at Cardiff following his appointment at the Arms Park in 2023.
“It feels like when I started at Cardiff,” he said. “It’s pretty well publicised that Cardiff were on a bit of a low when I came in, and I said to Abi that the first thing to start with is mindset.”
Sherratt took over at Cardiff following the departure of Dai Young, but has overseen a marked improvement in his tenure. The capital outfit currently sit fifth in the United Rugby Championship (URC), and at the time of writing are the highest-ranked Welsh region in the league. Furthermore, they have already surpassed their win total from last season of four, and are only three points off beating their points tally of 32 as well.
“If we can get a mindset shift and have real excitement in playing international rugby for Wales, it won’t matter what technical and tactical stuff you put on the pitch,” Sherratt continued.
“If the players go onto the pitch motivated and with belief, then the technical and tactical stuff won’t make any difference. So, mindset first and making sure the players are really excited to take the field in 12 days time.”
The interim head coach, who will take charge of Wales’ three remaining Six Nations Tests against Ireland, Scotland and England, will still also serve as Cardiff boss for their upcoming URC clash with Connacht, and he detailed the hectic few weeks that lie ahead of him.
“I had training today with Cardiff, I have training with them again on Thursday and then will lead them against Connacht on Saturday. Then, it’s back (to the Vale) on Sunday to meet the team on Monday.
“I’ve got Connacht this week, Ireland next, and then Leinster the week after. It’s going to be a cracking three weeks!”