Ruddock with more than a dozen player sidelined through injury, was looking to mould a few new faces in before
leaving for Argentina in ten days time, Wales approached the match as if it was a test match, with re-appointed defence coach Clive Griffiths
see his new strategy reap rewards.
Wales's approach however was not matched by a very low key feel to a game that resembled nothing more than a post
season / pre-tour run out.
The Barbarians may have contained some of the leading names in World rugby, but without the organisation and
togetherness Wales had, none of the usual flair or expansive was given a chance to get going.
Unusually for a Welsh coach, there was a landslide of positives, only struggles in the scrum from time to time will
concern Mike Ruddock with two of the most feared packs in World rugby waiting in both Argentina and South Africa.
Gavin Henson took his chance at inside centre with arms wide open, winning an enthralling battle with opposite number Australian Nathan
Grey. Yet the Ospreys player may find himself back in his international position for the first test against Argentina, due to Gareth Thomas's
injury.
Debutant Jason Forster struggled to make a similar impact to the one he has made for the Dragons, being called up on several occasions for
holding back defenders at the ruck area, being substituted at half time.
Ruddock may be tempted to start with Dafydd Jones at blindside in a weeks time, with Charvis moving to open side. The other back rower
Michael Owen was everywhere, beggaring the question why he has been ignored for so long as the answer to the shortage of out and out number
eight.
Based on form it would be foolish for Ruddock to tinker too much with a winning side, however Wednesdays game offered few clues to the
challenge that awaits itself over the next three weeks.
Scorers
Wales
Tries; Sweeney, Thomas, R Williams, Peel, Henson, Luscombe;
Pens; Sweeney 2;
Cons; Sweeney 3.
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