Time to lay ghosts to rest

Too often in the past the Scottish headquarters has proved the graveyard of Welsh hopes, as the WRU reminded everyone this week by listing six previous 'disasters' north of the border.

And as seventies heroes Bobby Windsor and Phil Bennett have reminded Argus readers in the past ten days Wales came badly unstuck at Murrayfield even in those great days.

Back in 1975 Wales had beaten England in Cardiff and won in France, just as they have this season, but came a cropper in Scotland when they went down 12-10 to wreck their Grand Slam dreams.

That was an unforgettable occasion when a world record crowd estimated at 104,000 crammed into the ground to create an incredible atmosphere as they spilled on to the touchlines and around the dead ball area.

Murrayfield then was without its great stands and had a massive uncovered bank upon which thousands upon thousands poured, it was pre-safety of grounds act, scarcely credible by today's more stringent standards. Small wonder that was the last ticketless international.

But the huge number of Welsh fans were disappointed as Wales crashed to defeat.

This weekend more supporters than ever have headed out of Wales on the trek north, an estimated 40,000 fans believed to be in and around the Scottish capital turning it into a sea of red.

Expectations are once more high as fans have been buoyed by a spectacular Welsh revival which has seen them win all three Six Nations matches so far to put them within touching distance of their first Grand Slam for 28 years.

Now that Murrayfield bogy is hanging over Wales again, for the records show in the past 20 years they have achieved just one victory at Scottish headquarters.

Which is where Ruddock will step in almost in defiance of the six previous disasters dossier issued this week.

He has already called it 'nonsense' to keep harping back on past disappointing results at Murrayfield and believes it has no bearing on the outcome of tomorrow's crucial clash.

Hence his dressing room pre-match talk will concentrate on eliminating such negative talk from the equation.

His team announcement says it all about the way Wales will play again - the good news is we can all expect a repeat of the thrilling rugby we've seen so far this Six Nations.

By going for a 'back three' of Kevin Morgan, Rhys Williams and Shane Williams, Ruddock is throwing the gauntlet down to the Scots.

Basically, he's telling them 'stop us if you can' for the trio are all exciting runners who excel with ball in hand, while they could be lethal on the counter.

And you can expect Dwayne Peel to be quick on the break, with Stephen Jones calling the shots again as he reaches the peak of his form.

Gavin Henson could come into his own as well after a quiet couple of games following his explosive first appearance against England. Wales are the team who have captured the imagination this season with their freedom of expression, and the national media have caught on.

Many were at the Welsh team announcement this week and while their first duty will be at Twickenham today for the also-ran (can you believe that?) of England against Italy, they are quickly flying up to Scotland afterwards for the one that really matters.

Sky TV's Rugby Club pair Stuart Barnes, that adopted Englishman, and Anglo-Welshman Dewi Morris are convinced.

Barnes claims no coach in the world would dare risk a back three of Morgan, Williams and Williams while Morris reckons Wales will win by 20 points.

But before we get too carried away there have to be words of caution, and they have nothing to do with history.

And some of them centre on that back three. For while they are all exciting runners they are also the smallest back three in world rugby, with a defence a blunt New Zealander might describe as being powder-puff.

The Scots will be aware of that and there's no doubt outside half Dan Parks will throw up some high balls with snow on them - maybe literally given the weather in the Scottish capital - to test Morgan and the Williams boys.

Their lack of height and physical presence in defence is sure to be a key factor in Scotland's pre-match planning and their Australian coach Matt Williams, canny enough to be a Scot, can be guaranteed to try to exploit a perceived weakness there.

Wales are sure to miss the presence of Gareth Thomas, not just for his size but for his inspirational leadership, which is no reflection on Michael Owen, his successor as captain.

But Thomas is right in the vanguard of Welsh efforts this season. His style is very much to carry the flag, to wear his heart on his sleeve and to lead from the front with his sheer enthusiasm, his commitment to the cause and his unbridled passion.

Wales are sure to miss that once they are out on the field caught up in the Murrayfield swirl even if Thomas will be around in the dressing room and on the sidelines to lend a helping hand.

I would be more worried about the defence and the absence of Thomas than anything else, for the underrated Welsh pack ought to be able to cope and the backs will comfortably have the upper hand in attack.

Scotland will miss big hitter Jason White and though they are certain to try to unsettle the opposition in the tradition of the best spoiling Scottish packs the Welsh eight ought to come through by the end.

Ruddock visibly bridled this week when questioned about an alleged underperforming Welsh pack in the set pieces and he will insist Wales get it right tomorrow.

Scott Murray and Stuart Grimes will pose a line-out threat while Tom Smith and Gordon Bulloch are vastly experienced front row operators and Simon Taylor is a talented back row forward who is back from long-term injury.

But the Welsh pack should not be underestimated. Gethin Jenkins is emerging as a real force, Martyn Williams is playing better than ever, Michael Owen is a ball handler and locks Brent Cockbain and Robert Sidoli are a pair of grafters.

And victory would be a perfect 24th birthday present tomorrow for back row forward Ryan Jones who will also come of age in the special atmosphere which is Murrayfield.

But even that will be diluted from a Scottish point of view because with so many tickets unsold as fans are disaffected by such a poor record in recent times, Welsh fans could fill half the ground.

Murrayfield's tartan could be replaced by a sea of red making it almost a home game for Wales, another factor in their favour.

Provided Wales settle early and cope with a likely aerial bombardment they will make it four out of four, and with a bit to spare. Then it will be all on for the Grand Slam and a crazy week ahead in Welsh rugby.