Matt Sherratt insists Welsh role is temporary despite stirring display

Matt Sherratt has reiterated his spell as Wales head coach will be for three games only after masterminding an odds-defying performance that sent popularity ratings through the roof.

Wales faced mission improbable against Ireland following 14 successive Test match defeats under Warren Gatland.

But Sherratt, on the back of just four training sessions during his first week as interim boss, inspired an immediate revival and instilled hope for remaining Six Nations appointments with Scotland and England.

Ireland ultimately prevailed 27-18 to collect an eighth Six Nations Triple Crown, yet victory was achieved the hard way as they overcame Garry Ringrose's 20-minute red card to score 17 unanswered points and keep alive hopes of a historic title hat-trick.

In many ways, though, the day belonged to Sherratt, with Wales reasserting themselves as a competitive force following months of abject misery. Rarely has defeat felt like victory for Wales fans.

Cardiff boss Sherratt said at his introductory press conference, barely 72 hours after Wales were humbled by Italy in Gatland’s final match, that it was very much a short-term stay.

"It’s the same answer. No, not at all," he said, when asked on Saturday if anything now changes in relation to it being only a temporary role.

"I really enjoyed watching the players play. But I am pretty certain on my next steps, and that is back at Cardiff."

If Wales’ upward curve continues at Murrayfield on March 8 and when they host England seven days later, the clamour for Sherratt on a permanent basis might reach fever-pitch.

The Welsh Rugby Union’s aim is to have a new head coach and another key appointment, director of rugby, in place before Wales’ summer tour to Japan.

They are well on course to achieve