Ruddock calls for immediate response

Frustrated Mike Ruddock ordered his Worcester Warriors to cut out the indiscipline and called for an immediate response after league defeat at soggy Saracens.

 Worcester’s bid for a hat-trick of Guinness Premiership victories ended after a disappointing display at Vicarage Road.

Director of Rugby Ruddock admitted his side had been below par in the capital and a first half yellow card to Sam Tuitupou and catalogue of penalties only added to their problems.

Ruddock has now insisted they refocus before the European Challenge Cup clash with Bourgoin in France on Friday.

“I‘m disappointed and the changing room is frustrated,” said Ruddock. “We came with high expectations of carrying on our good form of recent weeks. But we looked a yard off the pace and below par.

“All credit to Saracens, we talked about a backlash off them and that is what happened. In the first 20 minutes they must have thought Christmas had come early, we gave away too many penalties and gave them a start to the game.

“We had prepared well for the game and came into the game on the back of some encouraging displays. But we just seemed to leave that on the training field, the best team won on the day.

“We were 20 to 30 per cent below where we needed to be and where we have been. We have already talked about it in the changing room and had an honest and frank conversation with the players. They know we can’t afford to play like that in the Guinness Premiership.

“Now I want us to refocus to our game in Bourgoin and getting back on track. That is a big game for us as we look to take a step forward in Europe.”

Worcester’s woes were added to with the loss of fly half Loki Crichton to injury after the Samoan was forced off early in the first half with a left ankle injury.

Ruddock must wait for medical checks before knowing the extent of the injury but admitted it looked like a ligament problem and Crichton would be joining Matthew Jones on the treatment table at Sixways.

“Loki appears to have picked up a ligament strain which is unfortunate for him,” added Ruddock.

“He had started the game well but now looks like he is out of the Bourgoin game and possibly longer.

“But we have confidence in Joe Carlisle and he played well when he came on and won’t let anyone down in France if he needs to start that game.”


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