Former Wales boss Henry put in motion a series of structural changes, and Hansen, Henry's assistant, took over in 2002 and continued to press for change.

Ruddock, who initially missed out to Henry for the Wales job, said: As disappointed as you are not to have got the job, you take it on the chin and move on.

And on reflection, I think it's the best thing that ever happened to Welsh rugby.

I think the only reason the changes that have been made structurally to Welsh rugby and also behind the scenes happened is because of Graham and Steve.

Sir Clive Woodward, a stickler for preparation, has been shadowing Wales this week to pick up tips ahead of next years Lions tour to New Zealand and he has been pleasantly surprised by what he discovered.

Ruddock added: Sir Clive was very impressed with our indoor training facility, our offices, our gym, our structures, our analysis room. I think he was a bit surprised how far we are down the road in terms of our professionalism behind the scenes.

And again, I go back to Graham and Steve. It is all there for me.

I just hope we can get a result on Saturday, show them how far we have come and however disappointed they might be they will realise a lot of it is down to them as well.

Ruddock has switched Tom Shanklin to the wing to replace Rhys Williams, who is ill.

Sonny Parker slots into outside centre alongside his Neath-Swansea team-mate Gavin Henson while on the opposite wing, Shane Williams returns for Hal Luscombe.

The only other change sees lock Brent Cockbain return to the pack after Luke Charteris was ruled out with a toe injury.

Henry has named two new caps. Scrum-half Piru Weepu comes in for Byron Kelleher, while captain Tana Umaga has been rested.

Casey Lualala starts at inside centre and in Umagas absence, open-side flanker Richie McCaw captains a side which features nine changes to the starting line-up which accounted for Italy 59-10 in Rome.

Wales: G Thomas (captain); T Shanklin, S Parker, G Henson, S Williams; Stephen Jones, D Peel; G Jenkins, M Davies, A Jones, B Cockbain, G Llewellyn, Dafydd Jones, C Charvis, M Owen.

Replacements: Steven Jones, Duncan Jones, R Jones, M Williams, G Cooper, C Sweeney.

New Zealand: M Muliaina; D Howlett, C Laulala, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; Daniel Carter, P Weepu; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, G Somerville, C Jack, A Williams, R So'oialo, R McCaw (captain), M Tuiali'i.

Replacements: A Oliver, C Hayman, R Thorne, M Holah, B Kelleher, Ma'a Nonu, R Gear.