LEINSTER BLINDSIDE RHYS Ruddock feels his side have no need for additional homework on the oppposition ahead of Saturday’s return fixture against Harlequins in Dublin.
Instead, the Irish international says Leinster simply have to raise their own game to claim a vital win in Pool 2.
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Billy Stickland / INPHO
Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
“They stood up and caused us some problems,” Ruddock said of the 24 – 18 defeat, ”but my personal opinion is that we caused ourselves more problems that they did.
“We felt comfortable defending. They had the breakaway try and [Nick] Easter’s was a well-worked try.
“But I really think if we sort our own stuff out; [if] we’re more disciplined, a bit more controlled in our set-piece and probably bring a bit more physicality to our defence… I don’t think it was so much problems they caused, raising our own game this weekend will solve a lot of the problems.”
Ruddock added that the frustration felt within the ranks had many in the squad chomping at the bit almost immediately after the final whistle.
“A lot of us felt like we could play the game the next day. You don’t feel tired when you’re hurting, you just want to get back out there and right a couple of wrongs. The overriding feeling is [one of] motivation to do right what we messed up at the weekend.”
One particular area Ruddock pin-pointed for improvement was the protection afforded to scrum-half Eoin Reddan. The experienced number nine was caught early and often by a haranguing ‘Quins defence and Ruddock’s pack will be out to create more room to manoeuvre for the ex-Wasp.
“We need to have a huge focus on giving him more of an armchair ride. It’s not right that he’s getting banged up, tackled at he base of the ruck and that sort of stuff. I think if we can get good quality set-piece to launch off, we can get over the gain-line a bit better and it all has a knock-on effect. It felt at times we struggled to get that gainline and momentum.”
The 24-year-old flanker is also hoping that some of the more intangible factors can help Leinster over the line after their dismal away day at The Stoop. Namely, the big stadium on Lansdowne Road. A place that must feel like a happy hunting ground for those fortunate enough to wear a green jersey as well as provincial colours.
“Playing in the Aviva makes it that more special. A home game is always a massive lift but playing in the Aviva is definitely a massive motivation for us. And if the fans can get behind us it’ll lift us.
“And hopefully we can give them something to cheer about.”
'You don't feel tired when you're hurting': Ruddock ready to raise game for Leinster
LEINSTER BLINDSIDE RHYS Ruddock feels his side have no need for additional homework on the oppposition ahead of Saturday’s return fixture against Harlequins in Dublin.
Instead, the Irish international says Leinster simply have to raise their own game to claim a vital win in Pool 2.
“They stood up and caused us some problems,” Ruddock said of the 24 – 18 defeat, ”but my personal opinion is that we caused ourselves more problems that they did.
“We felt comfortable defending. They had the breakaway try and [Nick] Easter’s was a well-worked try.
“But I really think if we sort our own stuff out; [if] we’re more disciplined, a bit more controlled in our set-piece and probably bring a bit more physicality to our defence… I don’t think it was so much problems they caused, raising our own game this weekend will solve a lot of the problems.”
Ruddock added that the frustration felt within the ranks had many in the squad chomping at the bit almost immediately after the final whistle.
One particular area Ruddock pin-pointed for improvement was the protection afforded to scrum-half Eoin Reddan. The experienced number nine was caught early and often by a haranguing ‘Quins defence and Ruddock’s pack will be out to create more room to manoeuvre for the ex-Wasp.
“We need to have a huge focus on giving him more of an armchair ride. It’s not right that he’s getting banged up, tackled at he base of the ruck and that sort of stuff. I think if we can get good quality set-piece to launch off, we can get over the gain-line a bit better and it all has a knock-on effect. It felt at times we struggled to get that gainline and momentum.”
The 24-year-old flanker is also hoping that some of the more intangible factors can help Leinster over the line after their dismal away day at The Stoop. Namely, the big stadium on Lansdowne Road. A place that must feel like a happy hunting ground for those fortunate enough to wear a green jersey as well as provincial colours.
“Playing in the Aviva makes it that more special. A home game is always a massive lift but playing in the Aviva is definitely a massive motivation for us. And if the fans can get behind us it’ll lift us.
“And hopefully we can give them something to cheer about.”
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Aviva Stadium Champions Cup Harlequins Leinster Pool 2 Rhys Ruddock Rugby