By Bryn Palmer

Ruddock has eight players missing

Wales coach Mike Ruddock is confident his Grand Slam champions can make light of a hefty injury list and challenge for another Six Nations title.

"It will be harder this year but I don't see any reason why we can't go out and do that," he said.

"There has been a good buzz in the camp the past couple of days and everyone is very excited by the challenge.

"We have got more home games (three) this season so perhaps that advantage will also work in our favour."

Wales start the defence of their title at Twickenham a week on Saturday without eight frontline players due to injury and suspension.

But Ruddock is confident the absence of key players from the Grand Slam-winning side like Tom Shanklin, Gavin Henson, Brent Cockbain and Ryan Jones will not undermine his side's chances.

"The game plan is very coherent despite the injuries," he added. "We will go out with a very positive attitude and I will give the players a licence to thrill like they had last year and I expect them to play some good rugby.

To get a Tri-Nations scalp against Australia was huge for us Mike Ruddock

"The injuries do create minor difficulties in terms of trying to develop new units, but a lot of the guys had game time in the autumn.

"So we are hoping some of the teething problems will be out the way and we can really move our game on and play some exciting rugby.

"I would like to think we can still perform and get the result we want at Twickenham and try to create the same momentum as last season."

That momentum stalled somewhat in a tricky autumn campaign which started with a thumping defeat by the All Blacks and a nervy one-point win over Fiji, but finished with a first win over Australia for 18 years.

"We had limited preparation before the New Zealand game and only in the weeks leading up to South Africa and Australia did we have the intensity we have in the Six Nations, which showed in the improvement of the team," he added.

"To get a Tri-Nations scalp against Australia was huge for us. We showed determination and perseverance to get a result, which is something we are going to need in the Six Nations, particularly in light of our injuries."