Former Wales coach Mike Ruddock believes Wales can beat South Africa on this summer's tour to the southern African nation.Wales have never beaten the Springboks on their home soil but Ruddock, who guided the Welsh to a Six nations 'Slam in 2005, feels they have enough firepower to more than match their opponents over the next few weeks.
"I think Wales certainly have the potential to catch South Africa cold," he said. "I don't mean cold in the full sense of the word, but from the point of view that there are a few unknowns in the Springbok squad.
"South Africa also have a new coach in Pieter de Villiers and it will be interesting to see what he brings and how long it will take to impose his own style on the team."
And Ruddock feels the loss of a number of big-name players will play right into Wales' hands.
"They have got injuries as well with World Cup winners Schalk Burger, Fourie du Preez and Jacque Fourie all out," he added. "I don't think you can stress enough how big the loss of Burger is he has got a great engine and stops the opposition playing.
"His absence is, I suppose, a leveller after Wales lost our open side Martyn Williams to injury."
