Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt said he is hoping to lay a foundation for whoever takes over from him on a permanent basis when his side takes on Japan in July.
Sherratt will lead a 33-man squad on a short tour to Japan, where they will play the Brave Blossoms in two Tests on July 5 and 12 in Kitakyushu and Kobe respectively.
The Cardiff boss stepped in to fill the void left by the departure of Warren Gatland during the Six Nations and was reappointed to the role as Wales’ caretaker coach, but will return to club duties after the upcoming tour.
Wales finished the Six Nations with a humiliating 68-14 defeat against England, which means they have now lost a record 17 successive Tests and Sheratt is determined to change that statistic in Japan.
“It’s a short tour. Two Tests,” explained Sherratt. “So trying to get players who’ve played a lot for their regions with some experiences was pretty important for this one.
‘The big picture needs to be looked at’
“I just think it’s a really good opportunity to lay a foundation. I think the big picture needs to be looked at by someone who’s coming in on a long-term contract, this will be about laying a foundation, trying to get to Japan and win a Test match and then the guy who comes in next can build on the future.”
Fellow Cardiff coach Gethin Jenkins will join Sherratt at Wales on a temporary basis and will be in charge of defence, while Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson will also be part of the backroom staff as the interim forwards coach.
They will be joined by Adam Jones (scrum consultant) and Gloucester’s TR Rhys Thomas (assistant forwards coach), who both worked with Sherratt during this year’s Six Nations campaign.
“The WRU were pretty clear they wanted to take an interim staff to Japan. As soon as they said that, I felt it was important, with the limited time, that we’d worked together before,” added Sherratt.
“I’ve worked with Danny at Cardiff, I work with Gethin there now. Gethin and TR have worked together, and Adam Jones played with them – it’s a familiar staff.
“Having staff harmony rubs off on the players. It’s just about getting some familiarity. With the world rankings as they are, and Japan being only one place behind us, it’s about going there and trying to get a result.
Wales confirm tour coaching ticket as Matt Sherratt returns alongside Harlequins duo
“That’s part of laying a foundation for the next guy as well. I would love whoever comes in next to look at the team and think there’s something to build on – and not to have that losing record around their neck.”
Scrum-half Reuben Morgan Williams, wing Keelan Giles and loosehead prop Garyn Phillips from the Ospreys, tighthead prop Chris Coleman from the Dragons, hooker Liam Belcher from Cardiff and Scarlets back Macs Page are the uncapped players in the squad and Sherratt is looking forward to working with the newbies.
“Reuben and the two props. I think their club form dictated that they deserve a go,” he said.
“Then the likes of Liam Belcher and say, Keelan Giles, who have been consistent regional players for the last six or seven years, deserve it.
‘I’m really excited to work with him’
“I’ve seen Macs first-hand. But Dwayne Peel was really excited by him. He covers that 13/wing slot, so I’m really excited to work with him.”
Players will assemble in Wales camp on a staggered basis from next week, depending on when their club season ends, before the squad heads off to Japan at the end of June.
“It’s important to me that our basics are better in Japan,” said Sherratt.
“We’ll have a good two-and-a-half weeks in camp. There’ll be some new voices in camp, particularly Gethin and Danny, and allowing them to get their stuff across will be important.
“When I look at the squad and staff, I’m genuinely excited to spend some time with them. I’ll just do my best and I think having a bit more time and knowing the coaches will help.
“Speaking to the players, there’s a real desire to go to Japan and prove a point. We’ll do our best to go there, lay a foundation and hopefully take that losing record away as well.
“I wouldn’t focus on the record with the players because the tour has got to feel fresh. They’ve got to enjoy coming into camp and how we’re trying to play.”
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