WALES will attempt to claim southern hemisphere scalps this autumn with the help of Matt Sherratt after securing the services of the Cardiff Blues attack coach on a temporary basis.

The Englishman will assist caretaker boss Rob Howley while head coach Warren Gatland takes a sabbatical to prepare the Lions for their tour of New Zealand next summer.

Sherratt will look after the Wales backs for the November dates against Australia, Argentina, Japan and South African.

The 40-year-old headed to Cardiff from Bristol last summer after five years in the West Country where he joined forces with Blues boss Danny Wilson.

Sherratt has helped the Arms Park outfit – who boast international backs Alex Cuthbert, Tom James, Gareth Anscombe, Cory Allen, Matthew Morgan and Lloyd Williams on their books – make a superb start to the Guinness Pro12 season with three wins from three.

Howley said: “I’m delighted to bring Matt on board to the coaching team. We have a very experienced international coaching team and I believe Matt will complement what we have in place really well.

“He is young in age but an experienced coach and has earned the respect of players and coaches wherever he has been and he will be a big asset to us.

“I know he is a highly-regarded coach here in Wales and England and will add to our coaching environment.”

Sherratt will continue to work with Cardiff Blues while linking up with Howley, Shaun Edwards, Robin McBryde and Neil Jenkins.

He said: It’s a huge privilege to have the opportunity to join the Wales coaching team and to work alongside the management and the squad for the forthcoming campaign.

“It is an opportunity I am very excited about and I’m really looking forward to getting involved this autumn.

“I’d hugely like to thank that management at the Blues for allowing me this opportunity. They have been very supportive of the role and I believe the experience will benefit me as a coach and in turn benefit the Blues.”

Wales open up against the Wallabies on Saturday November 5 and end against the Springboks on November 26 outside of World Rugby’s Test window.

Cardiff Blues face Treviso away the night before the Australia date and travel to Connacht on the eve of the South Africa fixture. The Pumas and Brave Blossoms encounters fall on weekends of Anglo-Welsh Cup action.