“We are changing nothing,” he said. “The side is the same and our preparation is exactly the same. This mentality has worked for us so far, we focus on the opposition, the construction of our game plan and on delivering performance.
“We are sticking with what has worked so well for us so far and that is concentrating on the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses, preparing our game plan in the right way and focusing entirely on the task in hand. Ireland is just the next game that we want to win.”
Wales are expecting Ireland to arrive as favourites for the game which could decide the Championship, but Ruddock is also confident in the abilities of his own side.
“The Irish are the current Triple Crown holders and they have the experience. With nearly nine hundred caps between them and a side that has been settled for the past five years they are coming to the Millennium Stadium for one thing only, and that is to win,” he said. “This Welsh team has special qualities, we are confident in the way we play and we give ourselves a license to express ourselves no matter who the opposition are.
“We will stick to our game plan, be bold, be expressive and take the opposition on in the same way we have done throughout the Championship and maintain our strong, aggressive defence. It has worked for us so far so there is no way we are going to change now.”
No.8 Michael Owen will Captain the side for the first time on home soil, fly half Stephen Jones will run out once more as vice captain and they are on strict instructions to respect but not fear the Irish.
“Brian O’Driscoll’s reputation goes before him, as the Ireland Captain he leads from the front on the pitch and he will be a certainty for the British Lions tour,” added Ruddock. “Paul O’Connell and Malcolm O’Kelly provide an immense physical presence and rugby know how to the side. In the line out in particular they will present a huge challenge.
“Welsh discipline will have to be spot on as Ronan O’Gara will punish us as a world class goal kicker. With O’Gara and Peter Stringer at half back they have a well established pairing who can provide skill and inspiration to win the close games.
“They are the most dangerous side we’ve faced this Championship, technically the most proficient, well prepared through the work of their excellent coaching staff and undoubtedly our biggest challenge to date. Their consistency and strength must be respected, however, we must not live in fear of the opposition, we have respect but no fear.”
Gareth Cooper will be given a fitness test on Friday and could provide a late change to the match day twenty-two if he is passed fit.
