Ruddock did not want to single out any of his players for specific praise, but Martyn Williams, Stephen Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Michael Owen - who took over the captaincy at half-time from the injured Gareth Thomas - stood out for their heroic displays.

Martyn Williams has done superbly. Colin Charvis was the talk of the autumn internationals but Martyn got his opportunity following Charvis injury and look how he has responded, said Ruddock.

That is the sort of character in this team. Martyn was immense today with those tries. But so was the rest of the team and hed be the first to tell you that.

Michael led from the front and mentally we were strong and could have won by more.

I thought Stephen Jones was awesome, all the players were. It is very difficult to give credit just to individuals but his goalkicking kept us in the game when we were having a difficult period and that drop-goal was sublime, it oozed class.

Great players have time on the ball. He had to take a difficult pass, checked and dropped it over. It was awesome.

But France were still within a converted try of victory and camped themselves inside the Welsh 22 almost from the moment Jones drop-goal went over eight minutes from full-time.

Wales had to defend four scrums just metres out from the line and effectively dealt with
numerous French overlaps to preserve their lead and an historic victory.

Prop Jenkins played a key role in Wales ability to repel France in the nerve-fraying scrums and Ruddock believes he proved himself worthy of a place in the British & Irish Lions squad.

Gethin has come on really well on the tight-head side. I am sure (Lions coach) Sir Clive Woodward will have seen his brilliant work on both sides today, said Ruddock.

Wales are now in prime position to secure a first Grand Slam in 27 years and a potential winner-takes all showdown with Ireland looms large on the final weekend.

We cant talk about the Grand Slam, insisted Ruddock.

We have got Scotland next up. They had a good win against Italy (on Saturday) and they will throw everything at us. The pressure is on us to keep winning.''