Sherratt's target to break Wales' losing streak
SPOTLIGHT: Wales interim coach Matt Sherratt says his team will have to combat the “major weapon” posed by Scotland’s back three if they are to end their lengthy losing streak in Saturday’s Six Nations clash at Murrayfield.
Wales have arrived in Edinburgh on a record run of 15 straight Test defeats against all opponents, a sequence stretching all the way back to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
But they will kick off at Murrayfield with renewed hope after a much-improved display against Ireland in Sherratt’s first game in caretaker charge since succeeding Warren Gatland, with Wales pushing the Six Nations champions hard before going down 18-27 in Cardiff.
Scotland have not won since the opening weekend of the tournament but outscored England three tries to one at Twickenham last month before suffering an agonising 15-16 loss.
Duhan van der Merwe repeatedly tormented England’s defence and he is now joined in a dynamic back three by fit-again fellow wing Darcy Graham as well as Toulouse fullback Blair Kinghorn.
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The trio have scored 75 Test tries for Scotland between them, with Sherratt saying: “Scotland’s back three is a major weapon.
“Three-quarters of their line breaks come from their back three.
“That is something we are going to have to contain, but with the ball, we want to have a threat as well.”
Sherratt, who will return to his role as Cardiff coach after next week’s Six Nations finale against England, has coached against Scottish clubs Edinburgh and Glasgow on numerous occasions.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an advantage, but it definitely helps your preparation,” added Sherratt, who has kept faith with the same side that gave leaders Ireland a scare two weeks ago.
Rory Lawson, a former Scotland captain, suggested defeat by Wales was all but unthinkable for the hosts ahead of their testing finish to the championship away to France next weekend.
“I think they’ve got to get into Wales and it is incomprehensible to think of Scotland being one [win] from four [games] after the Wales game,” Lawson told the BBC.
“Scotland have to take all the frustration of Twickenham Stadium and say ‘We’re going to be ruthless’.”
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But Saturday’s fixture now looks like much more of an even contest than it did when Wales were hammered 43-0 by France in their championship opener, before being beaten by Italy.
“I don’t really listen to the outside stuff,” Sherratt said.
“I know their coaches well, I know a couple of their players. I am sure between the two camps there is a healthy respect.
“The Ospreys went up there [last Saturday] and got a last-minute win in Glasgow, which maybe sharpened their senses as well.
“I don’t think there is a lack of respect from either squad.”
