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    Wales believes they can defeat Scotland in rugby


    AP, CARDIFF, WALES
    Friday, Feb 10, 2006, Page 22

    Coach Mike Ruddock trusts the same Wales side which was routed by England last week will deliver a win against Scotland on Sunday in the Six Nations.

    Ruddock named an unchanged run-on lineup on Wednesday and shuffled only his reserves; scrumhalf Michael Phillips replaced Gareth Cooper, who has a dislocated shoulder, and No. 8 Gareth Delve was back from injury for Alix Popham.

    Scotland made one change, giving hooker Scott Lawson his first Six Nations start and dropping Dougie Hall from the squad. Ross Ford will back up Lawson.

    Meanwhile, No. 8 Denis Leamy was cleared of stamping in last weekend's round, and free to play for Ireland against France on Saturday.

    Wales was crushed 47-13 by England in the opener of its title defense, while Scotland shocked pre-tournament favorite France 20-16 at Murrayfield.

    "The same 15 players have a chance to dispel the demons of that loss and show what they are really capable of," Ruddock said. "Just as we were confident we could win last week, we think these players have the talent to put on a show against Scotland and get us back where we belong -- on a winning run.

    "I was very, very comfortable that that was my best selection going into the England game and despite the loss I don't see any reason to change my view. This is our best selection and maybe needs just a bit more time to work through some of the errors they made at the weekend."

    Scotland coach Frank Hadden said it was "incredibly difficult" to drop Hall and promote Lawson to hook. Though Hall was criticized for some botched lineout throw-ins against France, Hadden wanted to give Lawson a shot.

    "I've said all along that we have three top quality performers in that position," Hadden said. "Now is the opportunity for the other two to show what they can do."
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