**Matt Sherratt Urges Wales to Build On Historic Victory After Record-Breaking Streak Ends**
After an agonising wait of 644 days, Wales Rugby have finally ended their long search for a Test win, beating Japan 31-22 in a tense encounter in Kobe. As the final whistle blew, a wave of mixed emotions overtook not only the players but the entire Welsh camp, with interim head coach Matt Sherratt and captain Dewi Lake visibly moved by the occasion.
Saturday’s result prevented Wales from slipping into the unwanted record books for consecutive defeats by a Tier 1 rugby nation. Instead, the outcome has been celebrated as a hard-fought turning point for a group that has weathered an extended period of criticism and disappointment on the international stage.
Speaking moments after the match, Dewi Lake described the experience as an incredible relief. “It’s been a long time coming,” the Welsh skipper reflected, noting the many narrow losses that have haunted the team over the past eighteen months. “Last week we let the game slip, so to dig in and get the job done today, in these conditions, feels amazing.” The try in the final moments of play, according to Lake, was when it finally “sank in” that the streak had ended and a new chapter might be beginning for Welsh rugby.
Matt Sherratt, who has been in charge on an interim basis since Warren Gatland’s departure earlier this year, admitted he had never wanted victory more. “I’m mostly pleased for the players, the coaches and the staff,” Sherratt said. He was quick to acknowledge the efforts of previous coaching staff as well, underscoring the collective pain the entire Welsh rugby family has felt during this long winless run.
Emotions ran high at the conclusion of the match, so much so that Sherratt himself remarked he needed assistant coach and former prop Gethin Jenkins to give him “a slap round the face” to regain his composure. “I was on the verge of embarrassing myself on television!” he joked, highlighting the emotional intensity that has built up within the squad during this difficult time.
Sherratt’s words were full of pride for the current group, who he said “genuinely deserved” the victory. “There’s not been a more deserving set of players and staff,” he insisted, praising their effort and determination throughout the season’s setbacks and adversity.
Looking to the future, Sherratt sent a strong message to the soon-to-be-announced permanent head coach, due to take over before the autumn Test schedule. He emphasised the opportunity that lies ahead, describing the team as full of “passionate players and staff” plus “raw talent”, and insisted this win marks a new beginning. He challenged the incoming leader to bring fresh energy and continue developing young players, especially through partnerships with regional teams.
Sherratt further outlined the importance of moving forward unburdened by previous results, stating, “the big motivation was to allow the next head coach to start on a level playing field, not handicapped by an 18-game losing streak.” He encouraged future coaching teams to collaborate closely with the regions to foster talent and ensure this result is not a one-off.
In the wake of emotional scenes on the pitch, Welsh rugby supporters now face the question of whether Saturday’s win represents a genuine turning point, or merely a brief respite after a torrid run. With leadership set to transition once more, there are both hopes and expectations that Wales can build solid foundations for sustainable long-term success.
As the dust settles on this contest in Kobe, the task ahead for the next head coach is clear: turning relief and emotion into momentum, resilience and a renewed identity for Welsh rugby. Only time will tell if this victory proves to be the spark that reignites the sleeping dragon.