WALES ran Scotland ragged, especially during the first half at Murrayfield last Sunday when they scored five of their six tries.

Now Wales coach Mike Ruddock pledges more of the same against Ireland in tomorrow's Grand Slam clash at the Millennium Stadium.

"It's no secret that our game is based around tempo and that we use our dangerous runners," he said.

"We won't be slowing the game down, it will all depend on how Ireland react, we'll have to wait and see.

"The modern game demands you go out and pla. Once you stop like we did to a certain degree in Murrayfield it'll be very difficult to get out of that trend.

"The modern game is harder to close down, so this is the best way forward.

"There will be no problem being fit to play that game again. We proved that in the second half against France. But this is unknown territory and is another matter, but hopefully we've done all the right things.

"We've hardly done any work this week, we're going to the well again and we don't want it to be dry.

Hopefully there's plenty of petrol left.

"But I'm not getting carried away, that's not the way I am and I haven't sensed it in the players either.

Everyone is focused totally on the game plan and the opposition. We've got to put aside all the external hype."

Ruddock warns his team about three Irish players, though for totally different reasons - prop John Hayes, about whom a question mark has been raised regarding his scrummaging technique, Ronan O'Gara with his precision kicking, and Brian O'Driscoll with his brilliant running.

Hayes tends to stand up in every scrum, bordering on being illegal, and though Ruddock would not comment specifically he did say, "Ireland have got the biggest number of reset scrums, around 70%, which is a concern.

"I'm not pointing the finger at any individuals, but I hope the referee is diligent there and hopefully get the ball in and away.

"Discipline must be huge because O'Gara can kick goals, he has for Ireland and the Lions and if we give silly penalties away we will get hammered.

"We'll make sure we work in a team situation so O'Driscoll can't get past us and offload in the tackle.

"Everyone knows Brian's strengths and dangers, so it'll be a big test for our midfield."

And in a final warning he said, "Ireland are the Triple Crown holders and can possibly win the championship, they are hugely experienced and have been through the mill whereas Wales have been struggling.

"Their coach, Eddie O'Sullivan, is a shrewd operator and I know the Irish Rugby Union have got a high regard for him. They wanted him back from America where he was a top coach.

"Losing one game against France does not make them a team going down the other side and very consistent selection has allowed them to grow.

"They have just beaten England and they beat South Africa in the autumn."

But Ruddock concluded reassuringly, "I'm quite confident about the result."