Ruddock wants final flourish from Wales

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has urged his players to end their autumn Test series with a flourish when they tackle Japan tomorrow night.

Japan will arrive in Cardiff on the back of a 100-8 defeat to Scotland and another setback at Romania’s hands.

But Ruddock’s side have their own incentives and objectives for a game which could attract a 50,000 Millennium Stadium crowd.

While French-based players Gareth Thomas, Stephen Jones and Gareth Llewellyn have resumed club commitments, Ruddock can still send out a powerful side including the likes of Colin Charvis, Gavin Henson, Shane Williams, Dafydd Jones and Michael Owen.

The next opponents for Wales, after Japan, will be England on February 5, marking the beginning of their 2006 RBS 6 Nations campaign.

“We discussed resting players,” said Ruddock. “From my point of view, this is the last time, really, I get the players together until we play England.

“It is a highly valued prize to wear the Welsh jersey. You have got to earn it, and you have got to put yourself right up there to get it.

“As well as that, I spoke to the majority of the players I’ve retained for this game, particularly up front, with people like Colin (Charvis).

“The boys are very enthusiastic, they want to play for Wales, they are very proud to do it and they don’t want to give the jersey away.”