WORCESTER director of rugby Mike Ruddock has backed Wales to pull off a shock win when they take on Australia in the first Test in Sydney tomorrow.

Ruddock was in charge of the Welsh national side until he left his position in controversial circumstances 15 months ago but has backed his compatriots to see off an under-strength Wallabies.

Fly-half Stephen Larkham has become the latest senior player to pull out of the Australian squad and Ruddock thinks it is a good time to play the hosts.

"Wales will do pretty well," he said. "I wouldn't mind putting a bit of money on them getting a victory.

"Even though they left a lot of players behind, when you look at their squad, there is a lot of experience there, particularly with people like Colin Charvis and Michael Owen.

"Australia have brought a couple of players into their squad so you never, never know."

Larkham felt a slight strain in his hamstring on Wednesday and will not be risked. The 32-year-old admitted pushing himself during training and said he had possibly overdone it with too much kicking practice. He is expected to be fit for the second Test in Brisbane on June 2.

Waratahs fly-half Sam Norton-Knight has been promoted from outside the 22-man squad directly into the starting XV.

Ruddock admits both teams will be more concerned with the World Cup in the autumn than the result of this game.

Ruddock will soon be joined at Sixways by former Wales defence coach Clive Griffiths, who has been working with the Canada squad this week ahead of last night's Barclays Churchill Cup clash with the New Zealand Maori.

Griffiths took time out to do a favour for old friend Geraint John, the former Cardiff coach who is now performance director with Rugby Canada.