Carlisle will show he is a class act – Boss

Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock has tipped young fly half Joe Carlisle to show he is a ‘class act’ in the European Challenge Cup clash with Bourgoin in France on Saturday (kick-off 12.30pm British time).

Talented Academy product Carlisle is set to make his 22nd senior appearance for Warriors in the last four showdown at the Stade Pierre Rajon, with experienced duo Matthew Jones and Loki Crichton both ruled out injured.

Ruddock is full of praise for Carlisle who is fully expects to show his ability in the semi-final battle.

And he believes the 21-year-old has learnt from the previous clash between the two sides in France earlier this season when Bourgoin came out on top.

“Joey is a class act and that has been recognised by people like Chris Latham. His skills have caught his eye and there is no doubt about his ability,” said Ruddock.

“What he needs is just more and more game time to see him blossom and reach his potential so that his decision making under pressure and all-round organisational ability can improve to a level of a player who has featured in a lot of rugby at this level.

“He has not had that under his belt yet, he has not had a lot of representational rugby at under age group. For him it is getting that mileage on the clock. Joey has got all the attributes and I fully expect him to come through.

“He played out in Bourgoin last time and I think he learnt a lot from it. He had a kick charged down early on and they scored from it so I am sure he will have learnt from that,” added Ruddock.

“The time and space that he would have in an ‘A’ match you just don’t get at the top level, particularly out in France with some tough French forwards bearing down on you.

“We have been through his game with him on a number of occasions to help him learn how to control a game as well as use his great passing skills which are the strength of his game.

“We are hoping that he will start to display the balance that we are after in his game in terms of being able to free the guys outside him but also control at key periods as well.”

Ruddock is also confident that Carlisle and his young guns will ready for a tough physical challenge from the French outfit as both teams chase a dream cup final spot. 

“I assume they will have done their research and will have looked at the players they want to target, whether that is up front or behind the scrum,” said Ruddock.

“We will certainly look to make their No.10 do a lot of tackling and if they look to make our No.10 do tackling we won’t be surprised, that is pretty common practice to go up that channel and create difficulties.

“People try and reinforce that area and that allows space out wide, I’m sure they will want to come down that channel and Joey knows he has to front up in that area, I’m sure he will as will all our players.”


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