Ruddock takes the positives

Wales coach Mike Ruddock tonight attempted to put a positive spin on his team's performance after they got out of jail to beat Millennium Stadium visitors Fiji 11-10.

The Six Nations champions looked on the way to arguably their most embarrassing defeat as Fiji, who are in the same 2007 World Cup pool as Wales, led by two points with five minutes remaining.

But fly-half Nicky Robinson landed a drop-goal to save Wales' blushes and deny Fiji a famous victory.

As preparation to face South Africa and Australia later this month though, it was a worrying performance.

Ruddock attempted to grasp what he saw as encouraging elements from a performance that hardly impressed a 73,000 crowd.

"I thought that our set-piece game was magnificent," Ruddock said.

"Hooker Rhys Thomas was exceptional, and I thought that Luke Charteris bossed the lineout.

"Our execution was not as good as we wanted, but two things killed us - inaccuracy in our passing and the number of penalties we conceded.

"There is a lot of firepower to come back against South Africa next week, and I thought that tonight we had a real test in all areas.

"I was confident all the way through that we would win the game, and I am not just saying that after the event," Ruddock added.

"There were a lot of good performances, particularly up front, while Matthew Watkins looked sharp in the centre and full-back Lee Byrne did a couple of special things."

While Ruddock might have been surprisingly satisfied with the victory, injuries have reared their head prior to what is bound to be a punishing physical battle against South Africa.

Lock Brent Cockbain was stretchered off with a hamstring injury just before half-time, while prop Chris Horsman, wing Kevin Morgan and flanker Dafydd Jones all failed to last the distance.

Despite Ruddock having players like Gareth Thomas, Stephen Jones and Colin Charvis, who were all released to play for their clubs this weekend, available to him, resources could still be stretched for a game that will see Wales start as clear second favourites.