There is certainly a development feel to Ruddocks 33-man squad, with only fourteen players remaining from Steve Hansens's
Six Nations squad.
With the exception of Jason Forster, Barry Davies and hooker Steve Jones, all other newcomers have however been capped by Wales.
Darren Morris returns after three years in the international wilderness, recent form for Leicester in the Zurich Premiership, would suggest he
is could be a possible solution to Wales's scrummaging woe, although the tour should also be a test of his fitness.
Newport Gwent Dragons Steve Jones is likely to push Huw Bennett all the way for the second choice hooker spot behind Mefin Davies. 26 year old
Jones formely with Neath will be looking to add to the sole cap he picked up on Wales's development tour to Japan in 2002.
Sidoli remains on the team sheet, albeit in the form of younger brother Peter, not Robert. Surprisingly Gareth Llewellyn prolongs his
international career despite having played Premiership rugby with Swansea since April. Warriors player of the year Deniol Jones is given a
chance to prove his credentials at lock also, alongside regional team mate Brent Cockbain. Vernon Cooper must consider himself unlucky to miss
out, having been so influential in the Scarlets title success
Jason Forster is rewarded for a rich season of form, being included as the one out and out openside flanker.
In the backs Scarlets full back Barry Davies who really should have at least made Wales's Six Nations squad, Gareth Thomas is however likely
to continue his run at full back
Another possibility for full back Gavin Henson, is included more for his abilities at outside half, along with another to adorn the Welsh
number fifteen shirt Nicky Robinson.
Mike Phillips continues his regional role, as back up to Dwayne Peel with Ospreys lynch pin Andy Williams re-starting his push for the number
nine shirt, having been the best scrum half at regional level this season.
Three quarters Craig Morgan, Nathan Brew and Hal Luscombe are re-called into an area especially hit be injury.
It has been widely acknoledged that a full international tour should never have been organised on the back of a World cup squad, with a
development tour to one of the lesser nations. Ironically though as I mentioned above Ruddocks first ever squad does have the feel of a
development one, yet whether or not any of the new names manage to get even one game under their belt is very doubtful with no fixtures
against domestic sides in either Argentina or South Africa.
Considering an injury list that reads like a whos who of Hansens' first choicers, the squad is testament to the strength in depth provided by
regional rugby.
BACK THREE
Gareth Thomas (Toulouse), Rhys Williams (Cardiff Blues), Barry Davies * (Llanelli Scarlets), Shane Williams(Neath Swansea Ospreys), Nathan
Brew (Newport Gwent Dragons), Craig Morgan (Cardiff Blues)
CENTRE
Sonny Parker (Celtic Warriors), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), Hal Luscombe (Newport Gwent Dragons), Gavin Henson (Neath Swansea Ospreys),
FLY-HALF
Ceri Sweeney (Celtic Warriors), Nicky Robinson (Cardiff Blues)
SCRUM-HALF
Dwayne Peel (Llanelli Scarlets), Michael Phillips (Llanelli Scarlets), Andy Williams (Neath Swansea Ospreys)
HOOKER
Mefin Davies (Celtic Warriors), Huw Bennett (Neath Swansea Ospreys), Steven Jones (Newport Gwent Dragons)
PROP
Iestyn Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets), Gethin Jenkins (Celtic Warriors), Adam Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Neath Swansea
Ospreys), Darren Morris (Leicester Tigers)
LOCK
Brent Cockbain (Celtic Warriors), Deiniol Jones (Celtic Warriors), Gareth Llewellyn (Un-attached), Peter Sidoli * (Newport Gwent Dragons)
BACK ROW
Dafydd Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Jonathan Thomas (Neath Swansea Ospreys), Jason Forster *(Newport Gwent Dragons), Alix Popham (Leeds
Tykes), Colin Charvis (Tarbes), Michael Owen (Newport Gwent Dragons)
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