Mike Ruddock insists Worcester Warriors will get it right

Mar 10 2009 by Brian Dick, Birmingham Post

Mike Ruddock remains steadfast in his belief he will reverse the ailing fortunes of his Worcester Warriors team.

The Sixways director of rugby presided over yet another disappointing defeat at home to Northampton last Saturday, a result that leaves his side marooned in 11th place in the table.

But despite failing to score a try, bringing the team’s total to just two in three matches, Ruddock is as convinced as ever that the personnel he has on the pitch are the right men for the club.

“There is not a coach in any league that is not under pressure whether they are trying to finish in the top four, six, eight or battle relegation,” Ruddock said.

“I am trying my utmost to get this right and the players and the coaching staff are doing likewise. We are all singing from the same hymn sheet.

“I maintain the squad we have got is capable of doing that. You only have to look at what Newcastle have done, confidence is the key factor there.

“We thought we had rediscovered it after the Wasps victory but it wasn’t there against Northampton. We’ll have to find it again at London Irish.”

And despite several players operating well below their best in recent weeks, the Welshman maintains Worcester are close to turning narrow losses into wins. As evidence he points to the fact his team were just 15-12 down and pressing 14-man Northampton hard last in the second half last weekend, only to ship a sloppy try.

“I don’t think we need big changes. It’s not about selection,” he said. “The players we have got are good players. We were very capable of winning the Northampton game, we were all over them at a time when I was sure we were going to beat them. Don’t forget only a week ago we beat the reigning champions.

“There is nothing happening that is not fixable.”