Henry says sorry for Welsh defeat

The Welsh management show their concern

Click here to see the Graham Henry interview

Wales coach Graham Henry has said sorry to the nation after Saturday's abject 36-6 defeat against Ireland.

Henry, who saw his injury-hit side concede three tries in the last seven minutes, said he had no excuses for the reverse.

"We played poorly, embarrassingly, in fact," he said.

"Not only the players, but I would like to apologize to the Welsh public for that performance.

"They'll be very sad and disappointed, and there's no getting away from that. I don't want to make any excuses.

"The Irish played very well. They were tactically excellent and much more on edge thanks to their game against Scotland."

Rob Howley (left) was disappointed with his display

Henry, who has been under fire from all quarters following Saturday's game, defended his players.

He said: "When the players are selected for Wales they want to go out there and do well. The desire is there, I don't question that.

"I think it was a rugby matter - not an attitude problem - and we have to look at that."

The Wales coach said the display gave him plenty of food for thought.

"We have got a job to do, and we need to show resolve as a group of people to put it right over the autumn internationals."

Scrum-half Robert Howley, who won his 51st cap in the match, admitted that he, and a number of other key players, had played poorly.

"In the times I have been involved with Wales I have never played that poorly and - though I can't account for others - I'm sure other players feel the same.

"It's devastating and probably the worst result we have at the Millennium Stadium.

"But now we have to bounce back and show the character in the next Tests."