The 11-9 success was Wales first win against England in Cardiff since 1993, and arrived when centre Gavin Henson kicked a 45-metre penalty four minutes from time.

It was a tough battle, and there were a lot of mistakes. Both sides were a bit edgy, and I didnt think we played particularly well, certainly not as well as we think we can play, said Ruddock.

In the end, we had to slug it out. I still think this team can improve, and we have got to cut out conceding those needless penalties, but this is a great win for Wales.

Wales skipper Gareth Thomas recalled the games decisive moment when man-of-the-match Henson stepped up to ruin Englands day.

The kick was out of Stephen Jones range. I looked at Gavin, and he gave me a reassuring nod, said Thomas.

He is a superb player, part of a great team that has come a long way. At the moment, I feel like I can fly.

In the past, we have been the team on the other side, losing by narrow margins, and this is a relief, even though I am sure there will now be mass hysteria in Wales.

We will take the victory and enjoy it, but this is a tournament, not one game.

Thomas was sin-binned when he reacted to England lock Danny Grewcocks boot in the face of Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel. Grewcock was also yellow-carded, and Thomas admitted he apologised to his team-mates.

I shouldnt have reacted, he said.

Wales, beaten narrowly by New Zealand and South Africa during the autumn series, are now on course to make a major assault on the RBS 6 Nations title.

A result now, and hopefully, we can relax, said Ruddock.

The atmosphere was brilliant, absolutely amazing today. People want to see Wales doing well, and we are back at the top table of world rugby. Our next challenge is to find some consistency.