Matt Sherratt is gearing up to implement significant changes as a young player prepares for his Wales debut against Ireland. Ellis Mee, a promising talent from Scarlets, is poised to earn his first Wales cap and start in the upcoming match in Cardiff this Saturday. Sherratt, acting as interim head coach following Warren Gatland’s departure, is set to shake things up in a bid to end Wales’ 14-Test losing streak. With eight personnel changes to the team that faced Italy in Rome, Sherratt is poised to unveil a revamped starting XV.
Among the notable alterations, Ben Thomas is expected to shift to inside centre, while Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn are set to feature in pivotal positions. The backline is further reinforced by the inclusion of Josh Adams and Blair Murray in the wings, although the full-back position remains undecided between Murray and Mee. The front-row will see a fresh combination of Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee, and WillGriff John, with John only marking his third cap and second start at Test level. Sherratt also plans to counter Ireland’s strategy by deploying two opensides, with Jac Morgan moving to blindside.
As for the bench lineup, Sherratt is likely to opt for a 6-2 split, providing versatility in the forwards and backs. The strategic selection could see the inclusion of players like James Botham, Aaron Wainwright, and Teddy Williams, offering a robust backup plan for Wales. With high expectations surrounding the revamped squad, fans eagerly anticipate the team’s performance and adaptability under Sherratt’s guidance. The forthcoming clash against Ireland promises to be a litmus test for the new-look Welsh team as they strive to bounce back from recent setbacks and exhibit a resilient spirit on the field. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling development in Welsh rugby.