'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."
Topics
-
Wales must not be 'chewed up' by losing run
Interim head coach Matt Sherratt says Wales must not fixate on breaking their record losing sequence after a 35-29 Six Nations defeat to Scotland.BBC News - Mar. 8 -
England condemns sorry Wales to record 68-14 loss and stays in contention for Six Nations title
England consigned ailing rival Wales to a 17th straight loss with a record 10-try 68-14 drubbing in the Six Nations that ensured the title will be decided in the final match of the tournament ...Yahoo Sports - 13h -
England score 10 tries to hammer Wales in Cardiff
Watch highlights as England score 10 tries to hammer Wales 68-14 in Cardiff and finish second in the Six Nations.BBC News - 12h -
Wales v England player ratings: Freeman shines at centre and Ben Curry outstanding in rout
England took the Six Nations title race to its final game after destroying Wales 68-14 in Cardiff.Yahoo Sports - 12h -
France sweep to Six Nations title as England hand Wales record humiliation
France swept to the Six Nations title with a 35-16 victory over Scotland on Saturday, edging out bitter rivals England whose 68-14 rout of hapless Wales had sent the championship battle down to the ...Yahoo Sports - 9h -
England put 10-try demolition job on Wales but France kill title dream
Wales 14-68 England Henry Pollock scores two debut tries in Cardiff thrashing England saved their best until last in this seesawing Six Nations season with a record 10-try demolition of a ...The Guardian - 13h -
Wales bring in Roberts and Wainwright for England
Wales bring in Joe Roberts and Aaron Wainwright as two changes for the Six Nations finale against England in Cardiff on Saturday.BBC News - 2d -
England match like Wales' World Cup final - George
England vice-captain Jamie George says the Six Nations finale in Cardiff will be like a "World Cup final" for Wales as they seek to end a 16-match losing streak.BBC News - 5d -
Wales v England LIVE: Score and updates from Six Nations as brilliant England running riot in Cardiff
England need a bonus-point victory to put the pressure on France at the top of the tableYahoo Sports - 13h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Murray State and Belmont play for MVC Championship
Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Murray State and Belmont play for MVC Championship
Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Lando Norris holds off Max Verstappen in chaotic Australian GP finish
Lando Norris stayed cool to win a wonderfully chaotic, rain-affected season opener in Australia from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell, the Briton answering a fair few ...Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Arsenal vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news
Arsenal and Chelsea meet in a London derby of huge consequence in the Premier League this weekend.Arsenal’s title challenge has faltered after three without a win and the Gunners are in danger of ...Yahoo Sports - 25m -
Seahawks sign former Saints cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles
The Seahawks have added some depth to their secondary and a contributor on special teams.Yahoo Sports - 26m
More in Sports
-
Men's Bracketology: The Mountain West will see four teams -- for now
Colorado State beat Boise State for the Mountain West title, and automatic bid. This is good news for Indiana.ESPN - 7m -
Murray State and Belmont play for MVC Championship
Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Murray State and Belmont play for MVC Championship
Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Lando Norris holds off Max Verstappen in chaotic Australian GP finish
Lando Norris stayed cool to win a wonderfully chaotic, rain-affected season opener in Australia from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell, the Briton answering a fair few ...Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Arsenal vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news
Arsenal and Chelsea meet in a London derby of huge consequence in the Premier League this weekend.Arsenal’s title challenge has faltered after three without a win and the Gunners are in danger of ...Yahoo Sports - 25m