Wales might have lost more Test matches than they have won during Ruddocks eight-month reign, but expectancy levels among the supporters are soaring.

It is not so much results - although Wales did come within touching distance of beating southern hemisphere heavyweights New Zealand and South Africa last November - but the performances that have thrilled.

Boasting a world-class back division, Wales have put the emphasis on entertainment under Ruddock, and the signs point to them enjoying a successful tournament.

Whether they can push for the title remains to be seen, but victory in their enticing opener - against England in Cardiff on Saturday - could give them irresistible momentum.

The danger is that an excited Welsh public get carried away by a prospect of their heroes recording a first Cardiff victory over England since 1993.

Ruddock though, is quick to put matters in perspective.

Our record over the past 12 years in Cardiff speaks for itself when it comes to taking on the current world champions, he said.

England are an impressive side, no matter what, but to suggest that we are anything but underdogs against the world champions is more than ridiculous, its cloud cuckoo land stuff.

They are used to beating the best teams in the world, and we have won just two Six Nations matches in the last two years, so we need to keep it all in perspective.

We have a tough old tournament ahead of us, with England and last years Triple Crown winners Ireland at home, and away trips to Italy, who beat us two seasons ago, Scotland and France, he added.

But, at the same time, we are a much-improved side, and we are looking to carry on improving, looking to win games by playing an exciting brand of high-tempo rugby, and I am chomping at the bit at the moment.