Matt Sherratt hails ‘brave’ Wales players – after his side came just short of causing the upset of the Six Nations against Ireland
Interim Wales head coach Matt Sherratt hailed his ‘brave’ players as they caused Ireland to panic before coming up just short at a raucous Principality Stadium.
Wales were transformed today, with their attacking game and physicality far better than what the team had produced under Warren Gatland this year.
‘I loved it. I enjoyed the week. It was a brilliant atmosphere,’ Sherratt said. ‘If I’m honest, I think we got more of the training week on the paddock than I thought. The bus journey in was, if I’m honest, quite emotional.
‘I was probably lucky that I didn’t see my family as I’d have cried. It looked like we stood for being brave.’
In the end, the boot of Sam Prendergast guided Ireland home here in Cardiff as he kicked five penalties and a conversion. It allowed Simon Easterby’s side to claim a Triple Crown and stay on course for a Grand Slam, with games against France and Italy to come next month.
In the first half, Ireland centre Garry Ringrose was shown a yellow card which was then upgraded to a 20-minute red card for a dangerous tackle on Wales’s Ben Thomas.
Wales fell to a 27-18 defeat by Ireland in their third Six Nations game despite a valiant effort
Interim Wales boss Matt Sherratt had his side playing with a renewed positivity against Ireland
However, the visitors hung on to claim a Triple Crown and move two games from a clean sweep
Under Six Nations rules, the directive meant that Ringrose was able to be replaced by Bundee Aki, who had a significant impact from the bench.
Ireland head coach Simon Easterby said of Ringrose’s hit: ‘Everything he does is with intent. That’s what cost him there. He’s certainly far from a dirty player and it could have gone either way. I was pleased with the way the lads responded.
‘Bundee coming on made a huge impact. He was brilliant both sides of the ball and won some crucial turnovers.’
