'Wales players need support after record loss'

Interim head coach Matt Sherratt says Wales players need support following the record 68-14 hammering inflicted by England in the Six Nations finale in Cardiff.

Wales were condemned to a second successive Wooden Spoon for finishing bottom of the table.

It was also a 17th Test defeat on the bounce which is a record for a tier one nation in the professional era.

The 68 points conceded was the most in their Six Nations history.

Cardiff coach Sherratt was put in interim charge after Warren Gatland's departure halfway through the campaign in February and says he was gutted he could not help them secure a win.

"I just think they need support," said Sherratt.

"It's devastating for the players. They're a good group of lads and there's some really good players in the room as well. They just need to try and reset.

"Honestly, it was one of those days when it looked like a game too many.

"We've got to be aware, probably the last seven to eight weeks have been emotional.

"The playing group and staff has been through a fair bit and little things went against us in the game and probably opened up some wounds.

"I'm disappointed I couldn't get some smiles on faces in that changing room. That's probably my regret today."

Sherratt also acknowledged what the Welsh fans are going through.

"I'm upset for them as well," said Sherratt.

"The public support has been unbelievable for the group and myself personally so I'd like to thank them for that.

"Even at the end there, when they're obviously hurting, there's going to be probably an emotional reaction.

"The support they've given the team and myself over the past four weeks has been brilliant."

Reset is needed

Sherratt refused to be drawn into a debate on the state of Welsh rugby but admitted it had been a sobering exercise and change was needed.

He will return to Cardiff next week, ruling himself out of the permanent head coach role while a new director of rugby will also be appointed.

"There's going to be some fresh appointments over the next couple of weeks," said Sherratt.

"It's just about resetting and trying to move forward as quickly as possible. The next camp has to feel fresh for the players.

"We knew where we were before this campaign started, that's not changed.

"It's about getting the next couple of appointments right and trying to build a base for the game.

"It's always easy to look at the top of the pyramid, the national team and the regions.

"But any good team, it starts with the grassroots and the foundations, the academy and that's what needs to be better."

Power game

Wales were overpowered by their England rivals as the hosts conceded 10 tries but Sherratt insists that can not be used as an excuse.

"I'm not a coach who's going to say we lack power," said Sherratt.

"My job is to find a way, a different way. So perhaps as a nation, we've got our ball movement, better shape, try and get one v ones, play a faster game.

"And everything's got the players' conditioning and their training week has to be around that.

"Power is not something you can coach but you can coach the players to be technically better, play faster and get more transitional moments.

"So it's not about power for me. You've got to find a way with what you've got."

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