Ruddocks team were the only Northern Hemisphere side to claim victory over a Southern Hemisphere rival at the weekend and that was achieved after Wales were among the whitewash involving England, Scotland and Ireland the previous Saturday.

But while Wales were levelling their Test series against Argentina with a 35-20 win, fitness coach Huw Bevan and an advance-guard of 10 players were on a spying mission having travelled to South Africa last Wednesday.

The Springboks secured a 2-0 series win over Eddie OSullivans Triple Crown holders, who have agreed that Bevan can collect video tapes and analysis data collated by Ireland as Wales as they prepare for the encounter at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Ruddock, who is well known in Irish rugby circles having coached Leinster and Bective Rangers, is also hoping to speak to OSullivan in the build-up to the clash.

Ruddock said: Huw Bevan got to South Africa early with a group of our tour squad and is trying to get information from the Irish team. Alan Phillips, our team manager has been in touch with them and they have been very accommodating in agreeing to leave a lot of their stuff behind for us.

I am hoping to get hold of Eddie OSullivan and if I do that will be the bonus. They are looking to leave the videos and codes that we need to settle in to our progress in what will be a very difficult week because there is so little time available to us.

Having worked in Ireland I know how friendly and professional they are and I am sure the information they can give us could prove useful.