Ruddock calls for Wales shake-up

Autumn internationals - Wales v Argentina
Venue: Millennium Stadium Date: Saturday, 21 November Kick-off: 1430 GMT
Coverage: Exclusively live on BBC ONE Wales and online, full commentary on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and online, live text commentary online and score updates on BBC Radio 5 Live

By Nick Webb

Ruddock highlighted the problems of the Wales scrum

Grand Slam-winning Welsh coach Mike Ruddock says current boss Warren Gatland must shake-up his team for Saturday's Test against Argentina.

Ruddock, who led Wales to the 2005 clean sweep, found Friday's uninspiring 17-13 win over Samoa tough viewing.

"I had a cold and sat down with a couple of Paracetamols to watch, but I reached for a few more by the end as it got a bit close," joked Ruddock.

"I think Wales were surprised it got quite as tough as it did at the end."

Ruddock had his own close shave south sea island close shave during his time as Wales boss - against Fiji in 2005 - suggests Tuesday's selection needs a few changes if they are to have a chance against the Pumas at the Millennium Stadium.

Argentina - who are one place above Wales in sixth in the International Rugby Board world rankings - are renowned for their brute strength, physical power and organisation.

And Ruddock, now coach at Guinness Premiership side Worcester Warriors, believes Gatland must change his side for Wales' third autumn Test following games in successive weekends against New Zealand and Samoa.

"They've had the core of the same team for two games running so they'll probably have to freshen the team up after two massive Test matches," he told BBC Sport.

"Argentina made it tough for England on Saturday and England won it 16-9 right at the death so Argentina are going to be better for having that game under their belts. It all makes for a very interesting game."

606: DEBATE

As a team we seem tactically inept. We don't play heads up rugby. When the game plan is not working we can't change.

ruckedout

Ruddock says the current scrum problems highlight the importance of injured Ospreys tight-head Adam Jones to the national team.

"Paul James is working hard to try to help Wales out at a difficult moment and he's doing a good job," added Ruddock.

"But until they get some tight-heads back from injury it's going to be a tough one in the scrums. It shows how important Adam Jones is."

One possible long term candidate is 21-year-old Jamie Corsi who made his competitive Scarlets debut in their LV= Cup win over Ruddock's Worcester.

His appearance comes more than two years after a gym injury on tour denied him a shock debut as a teenager in Wales's visit to Australia.

But Scarlets head coach Nigel Davies is warning not to expect too much too soon from the Newport-born youngster, whose career with the Dragons was wrecked by injury.

"He's got a lot of development to do as he hadn't played for two years when he came to us this summer," said Davies.

"We've got a put a bit more bulk on him but he's moving in the right direction.

"Tight head props are a rare breed and he's got the potential."