Interim Wales coach Matt Sherratt

London (AFP) - Wales’ interim head coach Matt Sherratt has named an unchanged team for his side’s Six Nations clash against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Sherratt has kept faith with the side that gave champions Ireland a scare in Cardiff last month before losing 27-18 – a record-extending 15th straight Test defeat.

It is the first time since 2019 and World Cup games against Georgia and Australia in Japan that Wales have fielded the same XV.

There are two changes on the bench. Former captain Dewi Lake, who was recently recalled to the squad after recovering from biceps surgery, returns along with Cardiff prop Keiron Assiratti.

“This week we’ve challenged ourselves to keep improving,” said Cardiff boss Sherratt.

“We want to keep the same intent and bravery as we showed last time out, but making sure that we are building on our game,” added the Englishman, who has taken over for the final three rounds of the Six Nations following the end of Warren Gatland’s second spell as Wales coach.

“We’re excited for the challenge of playing Scotland in Edinburgh and can’t wait to get out there on Saturday.”

Lake, who led Wales in Australia last year and throughout the subsequent November internationals takes over from Evan Lloyd and will provide hooking cover for Elliot Dee, with Assiratti chosen instead of Henry Thomas.

Sherratt’s selection means Scarlets wing Ellis Mee gets a chance to build on his impressive Test debut against Ireland, with fly-half Gareth Anscombe having recovered from a head injury suffered during that game.

Flanker Tommy Reffell and lock Dafydd Jenkins are the only starting survivors from Wales’ dramatic 27-26 defeat by Scotland in Cardiff last year.

Wales’ losing streak started with a 2023 World Cup quarter-final reverse against Argentina but they travel to Edinburgh with renewed hope.

A vastly-improved display against Ireland boosted their confidence ahead of the trip to Murrayfield and a home match against England on March 15.

Scotland, looking to bounce back from an agonising 16-15 loss to England at Twickenham that left them with two defeats from three Championship games, recalled wing Darcy Graham in the only change to their starting side.

Wales (15-1)

Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Ellis Mee; Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Taulupe Faletau, Tommy Reffell, Jac Morgan (capt); Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands; WillGriff John, Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith

Replacements: Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Aaron Wainwright, Rhodri Williams, Jarrod Evans, Joe Roberts

Coach: Matt Sherratt (ENG)