Sherratt: Victory has got to be the start of something

Interim coach emotional after dispensing of 'burden around the neck'

- By BEN JAMES

INTERIM head coach Matt Sherratt says the victory over Japan has “to be the start of something” as Wales finally won a Test match after 644 days.

Defeat to Japan in the second Test would have consigned them to a 19th straight loss at international level - but Wales showed remarkable character in extreme conditions to get over the line.

The outpouring of emotion was inevitable - with both Sherratt and captain Dewi Lake reduced to tears after full-time.

"I’m over the moon," said Lake afterwards. "It's been a long time coming.

"You look back at tough results we've had over the past 18 months.

"We were probably in the driving seat last week but let is slip. To dig in and get the job done is an amazing feeling.