Wales proved against South Africa on Saturday they have the forward power to adopt a similar game-plan. The Springboks are the most physical side in world rugby – yet their scrum was put under so much pressure that coach Jake White was forced into a front row change after only 36 minutes when veteran behemoth Os du Randt replaced Lawrence Sephaka. But Ruddock is convinced Wales’ best interests – in both the short and long term – will be served by sticking to the high-tempo game-plan that brought them such success last year.
“We have not moved away from our game-plan. We still want the players to have a licence to thrill and we try to take a creative approach, said Ruddock. “Our intent is there and we just have to keep on working on our play so the accuracy is there too.”
But Ruddock admits there is room for improvement: “We are putting in plenty of effort but we are making too many errors that were not there last year and to beat these teams you have to play a perfect game. But as much as we are pleased with the forwards performance, we believe our strength is when the forwards take their places in the attacking line.
“That way we can outnumber their defence. As much as we want to take them on in the forwards – and we will pressurise them there – we want the option of moving the ball around the park. I do not think we will be successful just trying to bludgeon our way to a victory. We want to get it to the backs and try and play through the phases, which were our trademark last year.”
The style of running rugby favoured by Ruddock saw Wales earn Grand Slam success in the spring, and Ruddock reckons the overall play of the whole team has improved since he came to power.
“When I took over with Wales our scrum was creaking but we have quite a significant scrum at the moment,” he continued. “I spoke to Jake White after the game on Saturday and asked his advice on playing Australia. I was not surprised when he said we should take them on in the forwards.”
Wales’ final game in the Invesco Perpetual Series takes place at the Millennium Stadium this Saturday, KO 17:00.
