But Ruddock repeated a no-fear Welsh approach for his country's biggest game since 1978.

Wales will arrive at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, needing victory over Ireland to secure the Six Nations title, the Triple Crown and their first Grand Slam for 27 years.

However, Ireland have plenty of incentives themselves despite seeing their Grand Slam dream destroyed by France in Dublin last weekend, with Brian O'Driscoll's team still chasing silverware and a second successive Triple Crown.

Wales have already beaten world champions England and then fought back to defeat France in Paris this season.

But Ruddock, who has named an unchanged team following Sunday's record-breaking victory against Scotland in Edinburgh, knows only too well what a threat the Irish pose.

The coach explained: They are the most dangerous side we've faced this championship, technically the most proficient as well, and they are well prepared to do the work of their excellent coaching staff.

This is undoubtedly our biggest challenge to date. Ireland's consistency and strength must be respected.

However, we must not live in fear of the opposition. We have respect, but no fear.

A relieved Ruddock has seen a worrying injury list, which reared its head earlier this week, clear up just in time for the Millennium Stadium showdown.

Cardiff wing Rhys Williams has recovered from a calf muscle problem while hooker Mefin Davies (leg) and replacement back Hal Luscombe (hamstring) are also fully fit.

Scrum-half Gareth Cooper, who missed Scotland's game because of an ankle problem, will undergo a fitness test on Friday to decide whether or not he will provide bench cover for Dwayne Peel.

If Cooper fails to make it then Peel's Llanelli colleague Mike Phillips will continue on the bench.