Sherratt Vows Wales Will Make It Hostile for Ireland

The Wales interim head coach, Matt Sherratt, has promised grand slam-chasing Ireland a hostile Cardiff reception in the Six Nations tomorrow after making eight changes to the team for his first match in charge.

- Luke McLaughlin

Sherratt took over for Wales's three remaining tournament games after Warren Gatland's departure last week, inheriting a side on a record run of 14 consecutive Test defeats, and said yesterday he is determined to "do things my way" and ensure his players enjoy facing Ireland at a sold-out Principality Stadium.

"I respect Ireland," Sherratt said. "But Cardiff is a hostile place to come on a Saturday afternoon. There's going to be 15 players on the field desperate to represent their country well."

The 47-year-old Englishman had been asked about recent Irish media coverage suggesting Simon Easterby's powerful side might be capable of defeating an underperforming Wales with 12 men. But he said cutting out external noise is key.