Ruddock sets sights on Six Nations defence

LONDON - With grand slam euphoria still swelling the hearts of the Wales rugby team, their coach Mike Ruddock has already set his sights on next season's campaign.

Wales have been handed the toughest of openers for the defence of their title with a trip to Twickenham to take on England next February.

Their 11-9 win over the world champions in Cardiff last month gave Wales the confidence and momentum to go on and clinch a first grand slam for 22 years on Saturday.

The Welsh have not beaten the English at Twickenham since 1988, however, and coach Ruddock is already thinking about preparing for that test.

"England will be gunning for revenge as they try to re-establish themselves as the top team in the northern hemisphere," Ruddock said on Thursday.

"And we must not forget they are still the reigning world champions.

"I remember we went very close two years ago and hopefully we can build on our recent success and go one better next February."

Wales face a gruelling year ahead, with internationals scheduled against touring Australian and South African sides.

New Zealand and Wales are also holding discussions about a special commemorative test on the All Blacks end-of-year tour.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry is working towards a match against his former charges. "We are keen to play the new Six Nations champs," he said.

However, the have hit a snag about a date.

Wales offered to host the test on November 5 but New Zealand have said that would be too soon after the October 22 New Zealand provincial final.

Both nations are eager to work through the problems and Ruddock is taking the tough schedule in his stride.

"Before we can even start to think about our (Six Nations) title defence we have to focus on some very big Autumn tests against the superpowers of the southern hemisphere," he said.

"If we can perform well against South Africa and Australia, we should have some confidence to take with us to Twickenham."

- REUTERS