COACH Mike Ruddock, below, is out to freshen Wales up against Japan tomorrow night by bringing on new forwards as early as half-time.

Ruddock has kept the faith by going for almost the same pack after their heroic efforts against the All Blacks, apart from one enforced change and a positional switch, also believing players must earn a starting place.

But he concedes he will make changes earlier and is set to name five forwards as replacements provided Ryan Jones is fit, making Alix Popham the other sub.

"I asked the players whether they were able to go again, and they told me they want to play for Wales, they want to be in that red jersey and have the opportunity to impress the coach," said Ruddock.

"But in many cases they can't go on so I have selected a bench with that in mind and reserve the opportunity for a fifth forward on the bench so five who went the distance - Michael Owen, Brent Cockbain, Colin Charvis, Dafydd Jones and Mefin Davies have the opportunity to be changed.

"We will have the continuity of the start, and at half-time should be able to freshen it up."

Ruddock believes the Six Nations will be highly competitive and Wales are in with a shout.

"I thought England were going through a period of transition but look at their form, France beat Australia so will be right up there, Scotland are improving and Ireland are probably two years ahead of us, they have got the combinations and have become a huge force," he said.

"I'm trying for consistency of selection and hope to continue developing, but if we continue playing like we are and get a 1% improvement anything can happen, it'll be game on.

"No-one is making predictions, but I'll be disappointed if we go backwards in terms of style, commitment and performance. If we progress with all that it's going to be one hell of a Six Nations."

l Ruddock and his management team showed the media yesterday video evidence of how Sonny Parker was blatantly taken out for Joe Rokocoko's first try last Saturday and how Dwayne Peel should have been awarded a try. They are appealing for fairer play from referees.