Good Start For Ruddock : Irish Rugby

New Wales coach Mike Ruddock began his reign in the best possible way when his side defeated the Barbarians in Bristol yesterday evening scoring 42 points without reply.

New Wales coach Mike Ruddock began his reign in the best possible way when his side defeated the Barbarians in Bristol yesterday evening scoring 42 points without reply.

However, it was a victory that carried a high price tag with full-back Gareth Thomas stretchered off midway through the second half with what appeared to be an ankle ligament injury.

Record international try-scorer Thomas, must now be considered very doubtful for the Wales tour to Argentina and SouthAfrica next month.

Nor will his new French club, Toulouse be overjoyed with the news of the injury. Thomas is due to formally sign for the beaten Heinken Cup finalists today (Thursday) in a two-year deal believed to be worth in the region of 300,000 per annum.

Wales ran in seven tries - one for Thomas before he was injured - with Rhys Williams, Dwayne Peel, Gavin Henson,Hal Luscombe and Ceri Sweeney all touching-down while fly-half Sweeney added a further 12points

from the boot.

Wales began the match without many of their frontline players with Iestyn Harris, Stephen Jones,Gareth Cooper and Robin McBryde among more than a dozen players sidelinedthrough injury.

Centre Chris Farrell had a NatWest 6 Nations debut to remember as his man-of-the-match performance helped Ireland to a 37-27 bonus point win over Wales at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland skills and kicking coach Richie Murphy spoke to Irish Rugby TV about Dan Biggar, Liam Williams and Leigh Halfpenny and the attacking threats they will pose for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 2.15pm).