“I’m delighted to be able to announce a very strong side to travel to Murrayfield,” said Ruddock. “In particular it is a boost to once again be able to display continuity and consistency in selection.
“Mefin Davies has proved his fitness in taking a full part in a couple of tough training sessions over the last two days and our medical staff have confirmed his fitness. That means we have been able to select the same pack which did so well against France.
“It was obviously a huge loss to us when we realised Gareth Thomas would take no further part in this Championship, however, it must be said that Kevin Morgan did superbly well at full back when we lost our Captain at half-time against France.
“Rhys Williams has also been rewarded for his second half performance against France with a place in the starting line-up. Michael Owen has made a confident and assertive start to the week as captain and we have every faith in his leadership abilities.
“Hal Luscombe, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, will provide cover for the back three and centre from the bench and it is good to know he is there if we need him. We are disappointed to lose Gareth Cooper through injury, but Michael Phillips had a very good game coming on as his replacement in the Tsunami benefit match last weekend – in fact he didn’t look out of place at all in such illustrious company.”
The Coach is happy he has selected the best side for the job, but maintains the trip to Scotland will be a tough test for his currently unbeaten team.
“We travel to Scotland mindful of their excellent win last weekend and realise that it will be another difficult challenge for this Welsh team,” added Ruddock. “The records show we are unbeaten so far in this Championship and Scotland have won one from three, but that record will count for nothing on match day.
“Many Welsh sides have travelled to Scotland with high hopes in the past and come home empty handed and we will need to be right at the top of our performance if we are to ensure the same does not happen to us. Having said all that we are very confident in our own ability and, once again, will expect the team to play with the same confident and bold approach we have seen throughout the Championship so far.”
