“We’ve done everything we can”- 5 Talking Points: Matt Sherratt previews Wales against Japan

Thursday, 03 July 2025 at 09:07

byHarry Tovey

Wales will be aiming to put an end to their 17 consecutive Test match defeats when they face a ‘similar’ side in Japan who like Wales have been struggling in recent times.

The pair will meet on Saturday in Kitakyushu, where interim head coach Matt Sherratt said with the affinity that Welsh Rugby has with the city, are hoping they’ve “got some Japanese fans cheering (them) on Saturday.”

Sherratt broke down the crucial clash in the Far East in the pre-match press conference. Here are the five talking points from his immediate reaction.

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1- Big call on the flanks as big stars named on bench

It perhaps came as a shock from Sherratt to choose both Josh Macleod and Alex Mann to start in the back row over Aaron Wainwright and Tommy Reffell who are named on a 6:2 split on the bench.

This is maybe due to how the Brave Blossoms were unable to stay competitive against the Māori All Blacks in the second half last Saturday in Tokyo.

This could be the mindset from Sherratt with the experienced back rowers being impact substitutes which could make a huge difference in the encounter.

“We’ve had three weeks prep. It’s on recent club form, trying to get combinations in training,” said Sherratt.

“It’s a new coaching group. Danny is new, Gethin is familiar with a lot of them. It’s trying to select on what we’ve seen.

“Trying to spread experience out. What we wanted to do is put experience on the bench. Wainwright, Gareth Thomas, Reffell.

“We feel conditions will be tough. Having quality off the bench will be massive. It’s not a 15, it’s a 23 we need. It’s an 80 minute performance we need.”

2- 11 changes to his side that lost to England

Sherratt has made a number of changes to his side which lost heavily against England in the Guinness Six Nations. He’s brought a number of players back to the international scene, with both Macleod and Mann being selected on the flanks.

For Macleod he will be looking to claim his third international cap having waited two and half years since his previous outing with Wales against Australia in November 2022. Johnny Williams also makes his return to the starting XV after not playing since the Portugal meeting at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

On the inclusion of both Macleod and Williams, Sherratt added: “We made a point of when we picked the squad. I said on day one, we’re going on the now. Obviously there’s a new guy coming in, so any forward-thinking selections I’ll leave to him.

“We wanted to reward guys for their form at their clubs. Josh and Johnny have had really good seasons with Scarlets. Josh has had ups and downs with injures.”

3- Liam Belcher a potential international debut off the bench

Back when Sherratt announced his Welsh squad that will tour the Far East, one of six uncapped players have been selected with Cardiff Rugby’s Liam Belcher receiving a deserved call-up.

“Liam is someone I know really well,” continued Sherratt.

“He’s come through the hard way. Came through Cardiff academy. Got released, prepared for life after rugby. He’s worked hard to become captain.

“There’s not a player in Welsh rugby who deserves his chance more than Liam. He’s really worked hard for it.”

4- “We’ve trained with wet balls”- Sherratt on the hot conditions in Japan

There’s been a lot of discussion about the slippery and humid conditions expected for Wales when they play on Saturday, with head coach Jones aiming to run them off their feet.

Wales instead of travelling to Turkey, for warm weather training like they’ve done in the past, they’ve been acclimatising themselves to the conditions prior to travelling in the Far East at their training camp at the Vale Resort. Both Test matches kickoff mid-afternoon where the heat and humidity will be unforgiving.

On how important the conditions will be Sherratt continued: “(It’s) really important, but they’re the same for both teams. Japan will be used to it.

“Huw Bennett (Wales assistant coach since 2014) has done everything to prepare us for it. The players weren’t excited for the heat chamber. But they’ve worked hard.

“We’ve trained with wet balls. The ball will be really greasy. That’s the key. It’ll test your skillset.”

5- “Leitch coming back in is similar to Faletau”- said Sherratt on Japan’s starting XV

Veteran Michael Leitch has been named as Japan’s captain for the encounter at Mikuni World Stadium. He’s the only player in the squad which has got over 50 international caps, which has included four World Cups. Elsewhere in Eddie Jones’ match-day 23 he has named eight uncapped players.

“I think both countries are in a similar situation,” insisted Sherratt.

“A lot of experience ending at the same time. There’s been a changing of the guard.

“There’s been changes of coaches. It’s been very transitional for both teams. It should be a pretty good contest.

“(Michael) Leitch coming back in is similar to Faletau for us. He’s there to help the youngsters and be a calming head.

“The key to the win is it’s two teams with inexperienced combinations so it’s who controls it the best. With a wet ball, field position and taking chances will be key.”