Ruddock says Wales have no fear
Mike Ruddock tonight promised Wales will hit Scotland with fearless, attacking rugby in Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations clash.
The Welsh have won only once in Edinburgh since 1985 but a triumphant storming of Murrayfield on Sunday would leave his side one win away from a Grand Slam.
“I try to create a positive psychology in the team where we are looking forward to the game, but not fearing it,” said Ruddock.
“We respect the opposition but not fearing a big Test match and we give the players chance to play a good brand of rugby, which has been our strength.
“But we also have to make sure that when we have to, our organisation and team spirit is in place so we can defend crucial periods.
“That really shone through against France, and that is what we have got to do.
“The confidence we have now is not over-confidence, but it’s from getting a couple of wins under our belt.”
Thousands of Welsh supporters are already flooding into town, but Ruddock has worked hard at protecting his players from the rampant expectation.
“I don’t think they will get carried away. There is a great team spirit, there is a great buzz in the camp,” he said.
“But there is a realism that every Test match is going to be a very difficult Test match and every opponent brings their own strengths to the table.
“While we are quietly confident and enjoying our tight-knit environment, with a good team spirit, we are very professional and made sure we have done our homework as well.”
That homework has included research on Glasgow winger Rory Lamont, who will make his Scotland debut this weekend.
Ruddock also backed Scotland coach Matt Williams, who has come under increasing criticism.
“We have spent a bit of time this week looking at Scotland, where they are strong and where we might be able to attack them,” said Ruddock.
“We have got a huge regard for the Scottish rugby team. Their win against Italy takes the pressure off them so they can come out and attack us.
“I have a huge regard for Matt Williams because we worked together at Leinster so I know his qualities as a coach and as a guy.
“It’s up to us, as we did in France, to battle away through that period where the home team will be fired up and go on to get the result.
“We got word that Lamont could be called up earlier in the week. He seems a fine young player.
“It’s significant now that most nations are going down the road of younger players who have come into the professional age through the academies, like Rory has at Northampton, and really been developed as professional rugby players and an international of the future.”
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