Wainwright: 'Wales want to send Sherratt out on Six Nations high'
NEWS: Aaron Wainwright says Wales are determined to end Matt Sherratt’s brief spell as interim coach “on a high” against Six Nations title-contenders England in Cardiff on Saturday.
Wales will end England’s hopes of becoming champions if they upset the odds by winning at the Principality Stadium in Sherratt’s third and final game in charge.
The Cardiff boss took caretaker charge mid-tournament following the end of Warren Gatland’s unsuccessful second stint as head coach.
England, bidding for their first Six Nations crown in five years, are hot on the heels of leaders France, who face Scotland in Saturday’s last match, following three straight wins at Twickenham.
Wales are aiming to end a 16-Test losing streak that started with a quarter-final defeat by Argentina at the 2023 World Cup in France.
Victory would also give Wales a chance of avoiding a second straight wooden spoon.
England, however, have had several tough days in the Welsh capital in recent years, with Wainwright citing a 2019 encounter when Wales captured their last Grand Slam.
“It was one of the best days I have had in a Welsh jersey,” said 27-year-old back-row forward Wainwright.
“Any time I speak about the atmosphere at the Principality Stadium, that is up there with the loudest I have ever heard it.
“The Ireland game at home (this season), is the closest it has been to that for a while. If the fans can deliver something like that, it gives that energy and edge and will definitely spur us on.”
Wainwright, a veteran of 56 caps, added: “The occasion takes care of itself. Wales-England at the Principality is massive. For us, we spoke a bit about ending these three games that ‘Jockey’ (Sherratt) has come in on on a high.
“I think the impact that he and TR (skills coach T. Rhys Thomas) have had on the group has been huge.”
Wales captain Jac Morgan underlined fellow back-row Wainwright’s words following a training session on Friday.
“We are thankful for everything Matt has done. He’s been great since coming in with the boys, giving them energy and his attacking structure and everything like that,” Morgan said.
“He has given the boys a little bit of confidence, and we just want to put in a good performance for him tomorrow. I am thankful for everything he has done for us over the last couple of weeks.”
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