Wales interim coach Matt Sherratt looked for familiarity as he made nine changes to the starting line-up for Saturday's Six Nations match against Ireland. Wales were beaten 22-15 by Italy in their last Six Nations outing,

Matt Sherratt has rung the changes as he named his first Wales team to face Ireland this Saturday. The Cardiff coach has taken over for the remainder of the Six Nations after Warren Gatland walked away from the job last week, with the new interim head coach making eight changes to the side that lost in Rome last time out.

Interim Wales coach Matt Sherratt insisted Thursday that a Six Nations showdown against Ireland was no time for experimentation despite the team being on a record streak of 14 consecutive Test defeats.

Ireland coach Simon Easterby said reports linking him with the vacant Wales job were only speculation but did not rule out the possibility of taking on the role in the future. Easterby’s strong links with the principality have led to suggestions he is in line to take over from Warren Gatland,

Matt Sherratt wants his Wales team to be brave and not “die wondering” against Guinness Six Nations title favourites Ireland on Saturday. Wales begin life after Warren Gatland with Cardiff boss Sherratt taking the reins for three games only – Ireland,