Wales coach Mike Ruddock believes that with "a bit of work" his side can challenge the world's best despite having conceded 50 points to South Africa in their one-off Test on Saturday.

Ruddock is beginning the post-mortem of a tour which included defeats at the hands of both Argentina and the Springboks.

But the straight-talking coach is not one to get down easily. Even though his side were well beaten by a clearly stronger Springbok outfit who used the width of the field to good effect, Ruddock reckons the tour has been a massive learning curve and will be of benefit in the future.

"We may have conceded 50 points, but it isn't something to worry about," he said.

"I have some ideas of some new structures and to look at some different plans for the future.

"Just sitting here and talking, I have some ideas for a new attacking style and we will have to decide how to phase that in. Other than that we had a lack of composure at points in these Tests and we need to work on that.

"Our defensive structure gave some good moments and we need to retain parts of that.

"But these are the sort of things you learn on tours. We had a number of individuals who came through and we will go back and regroup for when we meet the Springboks in November. After all, it isn't how you fall, but how you stand up from the fall."

Ruddock has a lot of hard work ahead of him before the two sides meet again in the autumn, but refuses to be downbeat.

"The future really looks good for us," Ruddock smiled. "While there will be a few changes and a few things will definitely alter, it really looks good.

"There is a great spirit and passion in this side and if we continue to develop this willingness to improve, hopefully we can catch the Boks on a bad day in November."

Ruddock said he would be taking a good long look at the video tapes of the tour and planned to sit down with his management before deciding how to go about making improvements.

"There are things that have come to the fore that we will promote again with this side and there are things that, if they are tinkered with a bit, will come right.

"We have to have a second look at the structures and I will reflect on it and put a stamp on it." l Match report and picture: Turn to back page of supplement