Ruddock pleased by ‘ruthless’ display

Mike Ruddock hailed his team’s ‘ruthless’ show against neighbours Moseley after Warriors romped to a 73-7 pre-season success on home soil.

Sixways Stadium was treated to a try-frenzy for Tony Windo’s Testimonial clash as Warriors crossed 11 times in the game.

Ruddock was full of praise for his players as almost his entire senior squad got a run out in the match.


“I thought the players put a great show on over the 80 minutes,” said the Worcester chief.


“The first half team was slightly stronger and they went out and were ruthless and scored a lot of tries. They didn’t let in a try in the first half and played with width and tempo which is exactly what we were after.


“We moved the ball into space, stayed on our feet, which again is something we are after, and we beat the defence with some good passing, good foot work and great speed.


“The second half team came out and tried to reproduce it but obviously Moseley had regrouped at half-time and knew they had to compete a bit more ferocious in the tackle area and slow the ball down.


“Tries became a little bit harder to come by second half but there were some gems, in particular Rico Gear’s try.”


Ruddock’s men now travel to Belfast to face Ulster on Wednesday evening at Ravenhill and the Director of Rugby believes his team are clicking into gear as the season looms on the horizon.


“Overall both teams we fielded showed they were in tune with the style of rugby we are trying to achieve here at Sixways which makes us a very attacking force to defend against,” he said.


“We have got to be pleased but there are still areas to work on. Two negatives were the number of penalties we gave away, again we gave away more than the opposition.


“We also conceded a try so are disappointed with that. But I would give us eight out of ten for the rugby we played, we can get better.”


Greg Rawlinson, Alex Grove and Greg King were all forced out of the action in the second half.


Ruddock admitted Rawlinson could now miss the Ulster clash, however, the giant New Zealand lock is expected to be fit for the start of the Guinness Premiership season against Northampton Saints.


 


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