Ruddocks first game in charge - against a star-studded Barbarians side - features just seven survivors from the Wales team that gave his predecessor Steve Hansen a winning send-off by defeating RBS 6 Nations Championship opponents Italy on March 27.

Injuries have deprived Ruddock of more than a dozen players, for both Ashton Gate and Junes three-Test tour to Argentina and South Africa.

But the new Wales supremo insists that evolution, not revolution, must be the way ahead.

I havent come into this job to rip it all up and start again, he said. We have a strong group of players here which I want to keep together.

There are a few enforced changes due to injury, but the look of the squad and the side hasnt really changed.

The injuries now mean that some of the players who have been on the fringes of the squad will be given their chance to shine and to prove what they can do.

We are looking for big performances from each individual, and as a unit, against the Barbarians, as we prepare for a tough tour to Argentina and South Africa.

No-one will be more anxious to impress than 33-year-old Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Jason Forster, who has endured a long and often frustrating wait for his chance on the big stage.

Consistently one of the most accomplished performers in Welsh domestic rugby, he now steps up a level, albeit in a non-cap encounter.

I obviously know Jason very well from regional level, and he has a lot to offer, added former Dragons coach Ruddock.

It is up to him now to seize his chance and become an important part of this squad.

But Leicester prop Darren Morris will have to wait for his opportunity, having last represented Wales in November 2001.

Morris had been selected on the bench, but Leicesters appearance in the wildcard final against Sale Sharks at Twickenham next Saturday, means he now has club commitments.