Wales: Matt Sherratt picking up the pieces after ‘very disappointing’ defeat to Japan
Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt.
Wales’ interim head coach Matt Sherratt has urged his players to use the ‘hurt’ of Saturday’s defeat against Japan in Kitakyushu as motivation ahead of the teams’ next clash in Kobe.
Sherratt’s troops were on course to ending their horrific run of Test results as they held a 19-7 lead at half-time in Kitakyushu but lost their way spectacularly and eventually suffered a 24-19 defeat.
That means Wales have now lost their 18th successive Test and it was only the second time in 15 matches that Japan have clinched a victory over Wales.
The home side’s previous victory in this fixture was registered in 2013 when their current boss Eddie Jones was also coaching the Brave Blossoms during his first stint as head coach.
‘To lose the game at the end is obviously very disappointing’
“I think you could see the feelings pitchside (at the final whistle), not just the squad but the whole staff,” said Sherratt. “To have a 19-7 lead in the first half and to lose the game at the end is obviously very disappointing. It hurts.
“Already we’ve got to quickly use that hurt to fuel next week. The great thing about this tour is we get a chance next week to put it right.”
Saturday’s Test at the Mikuni World Stadium in Kitakyushu was played in searing hot conditions, with the temperature reaching 34 degrees Celsius and there was a very high humidity reading.
A lengthy break in play during the early stages of the game – after Wales lock Ben Carter was forced off the field due to injury – meant the first half lasted an hour.
Wales’ misery continues as Eddie Jones’ Japan condemns them to 18th successive loss
Sherratt does not believe the uncomfortable weather conditions played a part in his side’s defeat against Japan.
“If I’m honest I’d be making excuses if I said that. First half we took pretty much every chance we got bar one in their 22,” he said.
‘In the second half there were some really big moments’
“Every ball that hit the floor bounced for us and we rolled the right side of the penalty count. In the second half there were some really big moments.
“We had a line-out around 45 minutes to take the game to three scores, and it was a really tough call from the referee in terms of penalising us.
“It’s a young group and we’ve not had a win for a while, so those little scars can start to run deep.
“In the second half every bounce went for them in the aerial battle, and the penalty count went away from us. Maybe the conditions added to that as well, but my instincts say not so much.”
Sherratt also confirmed that Carter’s injury was not as serious as initially feared.
“Ben will be unavailable next week,” he added. “We’ll have a discussion with the staff to see what we’ll do about that, but we’ve got cover here with Freddie Thomas and Teddy Williams.”
