Newcastle centre Tait, 19 next Sunday, will become Englands youngest international debutant since his Falcons colleague Jonny Wilkinson in 1998 when he runs out at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

England boss Andy Robinson might have seen his midfield options restricted by injuries to World Cup-winners Mike Tindall, Will Greenwood and Stuart Abbott - a scenario that undoubtedly expediated Taits elevation.

But Ruddock believes it is a quality move from Robinson, who admitted earlier this week that Taits age never entered his thinking when it came to picking the team.

We have been aware for some time that they [England] were looking to head down that route, said Ruddock.

I applaud Andy Robinsons selection there. I have got a lot of time for (Rugby Football Union national academy manager) Brian Ashtons judgement, having worked with him, and weve already seen this lad in Europe this season.

He produced two very good performances for Newcastle against the Newport-Gwent Dragons in particular.

Hes obviously a great young player for the future - and I think it is a great selection by England because it shows they are very positive about the young players, they are working well with their academy group and they are building for the future.

There is no fear, if you like, in their selection - and I believe it is an excellent selection by England.

Tait and his England centre partner, Newcastle team-mate Jamie Noon, will be part of an England team seeking an 11th championship victory over Wales from the last 12 starts - a record which shows four successive wins on Welsh soil.