Ruddock's building project
Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:54
Worcester boss Mike Ruddock says it is crucial that the Warriors use the EDG Energy cup as a springboard to earning better results throughout the season.
Ruddock’s Warriors overcame London Irish 22-5 at Sixways on Sunday but now hope to carry that success back into the Premiership as well as the European Challenge cup.
"We have to use this competition to build momentum which is what we did with the European Challenge Cup last year.
“We need to build confidence from this towards the next round of the Guinness Premiership and see what happens."
With England manager Martin Johnson in the crowd watching on Ruddock was hopeful the former England lock had not missed the performances of some of his young guns who might well be pushing for places in a future England squad.
"The youngsters at the moment are really putting their hands up. It was good to see Miles get back on the sheet, he is like a centre forward
in soccer that, when they [tries] dry up, you start to get a little concerned."
London Irish boss Toby Booth was understandably disappointed to have lost but, most of all, was worried by the poor performances from some players who he had hoped would be pushing for more regular action in the first team this season.
"Worcester came out and thoroughly deserved to win the game," said Booth.
"All credit to them but I think we ought to be more clinical to take certain chances we have. I'm slightly disappointed that some people, who were given the opportunity, did not turn up.
"As you can imagine, from a coach's point of view with the competition for places and people banging you for a chance, I thought some of the youngsters and boys coming back from injury provided the performances I expected. But you need people who are controlling the game to drive those points home and that didn't happen."
One man Johnson will no doubt have had his eye on was Shane Geraghty. The talented back made his return to action following a long spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury but his club boss is hopeful he will not be thrown into the spotlight too soon.
"I think Shane Geraghty needs to put a series of games together and play well in those games before he is thrust into the next level up and is expected to spark the England revival.
"He is a young man with broad shoulders but he needs to make sure he controls what he is responsible for and is comfortable with that. Once it happens, Shane will get better and better."
