Ruddock hails his leader

Welsh coach sings Charvis' praises

Wales coach Mike Ruddock paid tribute to record-breaking captain Colin Charvis after his team ran Japan ragged at the Millennium Stadium.

Newcastle flanker Charvis scored four tries, setting a new record for a Welsh forward at test level.

After his sterling performances against New Zealand and South Africa, it was a fitting way to end the test match series for the Welsh stalwart.

"I was delighted with Colin. He has been ultra-professional, and he thoroughly deserved his man of the match award tonight," said Ruddock.

"Perhaps his move to Newcastle has helped, but I can't fault the guy, he has been brilliant."

On current form, Charvis looks a strong bet to make Sir Clive Woodward's Lions Test team in New Zealand next summer, but he is more content to pay tribute to the Welsh squad as a whole.

"There is a great work ethic, and there is a lot of competition in the squad to get the jersey on your back," he said with obvious pride.

"The 80 minutes on the field are a reflection of the hours and hours we put in on the training pitch and in the gym.

"Everyone is determined to do well, and we are all working very hard."

Ruddock also expressed his satisfaction at the performance generally, and looked forward to the future with excitement.

"Overall, I think we delivered on what we wanted to deliver, playing with a high tempo and an excitement that brings the public in.

"This team can still grow, and there is no doubt that this time next year we will be a better team.

"We are not world-beaters, there is a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead, but we have made progress.

"There will be some nice selection headaches for me. We knew all about people like Colin Charvis, Gareth Thomas and Stephen Jones, but there have also been bonuses with people like Luke Charteris and Brian Jones showing they have got big futures."

Wales' next game is a mouth-watering Six Nations opener against world champions England in Cardiff on February 5.

For now though, they can take some time to reflect on the scintillating rugby they have played this November that has placed Wales firmly back on the rugby map.