75 Quotes by Mike Ruddock

It's been a difficult but exciting selection so early into the season,

It's great to see Mark Jones in the squad after two very serious knee operations. He is a recognized finisher, try-scorer and line-breaker and you have to be impressed by his determination to get himself back on the field after such serious injuries.

The offence did not merit a red card and it was very harsh on Dafydd. We will have to wait until his hearing before deciding whether he will be in the 22 on Saturday.

It's in my interest to protect the group as best I can. That's the mindset down in Wales, and all the more so given the injuries we've had. So the players will be withdrawn from games this weekend. That's to give us the best possible chance.

It's comforting to know that we have a replacement of the quality of Nicky.

It's an element of the modern game that is under-used, but - as England also showed against Australia - if you've got a formidable set piece you have to use it.

It was pleasing to get that total performance, we're now a team who can win dirty if necessary,

It will be hard to defend the title but you have to aim high.

Once he has completed the launch of his book he should focus totally on overcoming his injury and regaining his full fitness and form and continue to prove he is a fine individual player and a fine team player.