Ruddock today named his team for the first home international since his appointment and has made seven changes – plus two positional – from the side who faced the Boks at the end of last summer’s tour of Argentina and South Africa. And he includes a record six Joneses – in Adam, Steve, Duncan, Dafydd, Ryan and Stephen – in his starting XV.
Back rower Ryan Jones will win his first cap after impressing the coach with his regional form for the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup and Celtic League competitions. He comes in at No 8 for Michael Owen who in turn moves to the second row in place of Deiniol Jones. Further changes come in the second row with Brent Cockbain, who left the summer tour early for personal reasons, returning for Gareth Llewellyn.
And it is current form which has led Ruddock to start with an ‘all Jones’ front row of Duncan at loose-head, Steve at hooker and Adam at tight-head – the latter being the only one of the three to play against the Boks in the summer. Hooker, Steve Jones, will make his first start having won his only cap to date as a replacement on the 2001 tour of Japan.
In the backs, new captain Gareth Thomas returns at full-back with Gavin Henson moving to inside centre in place of Tom Shanklin, who provides cover from the bench. Stephen Jones, another to miss the summer tour, joins his five other namesakes in the side at fly-half in place of Nicky Robinson.
‘Steve and Ryan in particular have impressed with their form at regional level,’ said Ruddock. ‘The team as a whole has been selected on three main criteria. Firstly, we have identified the form players in Welsh rugby. Then we have tried to achieve the right blend of talent which will be effective against South Africa and, finally, we have attempted to create a team and squad that will develop and hopefully figure for us in this season’s Six Nations Championship and beyond.
‘It’s great to have a number of players available that missed the summer tour through injury. This team has a nice balance of proven performers from the World Cup and the last Six Nations, together with up-and-coming players such as Ryan, who now has the opportunity to establish himself as an international player.
‘We know that the Welsh public will get behind the team and in particular new captain Gareth Thomas in his first home game at the helm.
‘We are hoping there is also a warm reception for vice-captain Colin Charvis who has a vital role to play, bearing in mind the power of the South African back row.
‘The Tri-Nations champions will be a huge test for the Welsh team, but one that we relish. They were far too good for us in Pretoria and went on to have a magnificent season under coach Jake White. We struggled for possession last time out and to stand any chance we have to improve that area of our game.
‘They have the opportunity of a Grand Slam tour, but it is up to us to spoil the party!
‘It is no secret that Wales play best when we have tempo and width in our game. We have analysed their game closely and intend to implement our game plan precisely.
‘Their size and the physical nature of their defence and ball carrying will test us severely. The return of our injured players and the support from the passionate home crowd should allow us to play with skill, determination and courage.’
Wales
15 Gareth THOMAS (Toulouse, Captain)
14 Hal LUSCOMBE (Newport Gwent Dragons)
13 Sonny PARKER (Neath-Swansea Ospreys)
12 Gavin HENSON (Neath-Swansea Ospreys)
11 Shane WILLIAMS (Neath-Swansea Ospreys)
10 Stephen JONES (Clermont Auvergne)
09 Dwayne PEEL (Llanelli Scarlets)
01 Duncan JONES (Neath-Swansea Ospreys)
02 Steve JONES (Newport Gwent Dragons)
03 Adam JONES (Neath-Swansea Ospreys)
04 Brent COCKBAIN (Neath-Swansea Ospreys)
05 Michael OWEN (Newport Gwent Dragons)
06 Dafydd JONES (Llanelli Scarlets)
07 Colin CHARVIS (Newcastle Falcons, Vice-Captain)
08 Ryan JONES (Neath-Swansea Ospreys)
Replacements
16 Mefin DAVIES (Neath-Swansea Ospreys)
17 Gethin JENKINS (Cardiff Blues)
18 Luke CHARTERIS (Newport Gwent Dragons)
19 Martyn WILLIAMS (Cardiff Blues)
20 Mike Phillips (Llanelli Scarlets)
21 Ceri SWEENEY (Newport Gwent Dragons)
22 Tom SHANKLIN (Cardiff Blues)
South Africa: P Montgomery; B Paulse, M Joubert, De Wet Barry, A Willemse; J van der Westhuizen, F du Preez; O du Randt, J Smit, E Andrews, B Botha, V Matfield, S Burger, J van Niekerk, J Smith
Replacements: H Shimange; CJ van der Linde, G Britz, T Dlulane, M Claassens, J de Villiers, B Russell/G du Toit
