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The surprise omission from Andy Farrell's Ireland selection for Wales
By Josh Raisey
Rhys Ruddock is a surprise absence from a matchday squad that has left Irish fans feeling buoyant. Andy Farrell’s side take on Wales at the Principality Stadium on Sunday in the opening round of the Guinness Six Nations, and they will arrive in Cardiff with a settled squad.
There is a perfect blend of experience in the starting XV, and the options from the bench, which includes Tadhg Furlong and Iain Henderson, have pleased plenty online.
The only shock is the fact that Ruddock has failed to make the squad.
The Leinster back row is arguably the form player in the Guinness PRO14 this season, having had man of the match awards thrown at him like confetti on top of being named Leinster’s player of the month three times in a row.
The injury to his teammate Caelan Doris earlier this week looked like it had paved the way for the 30-year-old to make the matchday squad, but Farrell has opted to start with Josh van der Flier alongside the established duo of Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander. The back row option on the bench is Munster’s Will Connors.
It has been mentioned online that Connors is the more youthful option at the age of 24, and with only five caps this is the exposure to Test rugby he needs. But based on form alone, Ruddock’s omission has flummoxed many Irish fans.
The versatility the 26-cap forward is yet another reason why he seemed a popular choice as he can cover the entire back row and even the second row if needed.
But most international squads seem to have a form player that cannot curry favour with the coaches or has a face that does not fit. Ruddock is yet to be capped in the Farrell tenure, and he has to wait at least another week.
I must be the only one who doesn't rate Connors. Thought Ruddock deserved a shot at least from the bench
— Chris McWilliams (@chrsmcwllms) February 5, 2021
Prefer Ruddock on the bench, can cover 6, 8 and has packed down in the row too
— Bill Carr (@billcarr_10) February 5, 2021
How is Ruddock not on the bench MOTM for Leinster most games. Would add some beef to that pack too.
— Ralph (@ralphy2020) February 5, 2021
Jesus what has Rhys Ruddock got to do to get a game for @IrishRugby ? Unreal that VDF starts this game and Conners on the bench ????
— Ronan Mythen (@RonanMythen) February 5, 2021
Not a Leinster fan by any means but what does Rhys Ruddock have to do to get in the 23?
Nice looking lineup otherwise. Ireland by 4.
— Feargal (@Feargal_) February 5, 2021
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This article should have been written immediately after the final, not half a year later. While the content of the article is accurate with the references to the cruel bounce to Savea right before the try line, Etzebeth’s cynical infringement, and the inconsistent cards, some of the hyperbole emotional statements are unnecessary and gaslighting. The fact remains that the Springboks took their scoring opportunities. They had amazing defence throughout the entire match (limiting the ABs to one try is very respectable), their scrum was pretty good and they had quite a solid lineout despite having a part-time hooker throwing the ball in. Let’s give credit where credit is due and move forward. The Springboks won because they know how to win big games through strong defence and kicking, and they had lady luck on their side on the day. The All Blacks miraculously made the final despite everyone’s predictions and could’ve won the whole damn thing with 14 men who should’ve taken better advantage of their scoring chances and committed less mistakes (shoddy lineouts, dropped balls, some poor kicks and passing, etc), and an average coach and captain with some questionable tactics (Jordie kicking for goal late in the game from a dodgy position and perhaps the wrong game plan overall). Time to move on.
Go to commentsGreat mythology - no surprises Ox didn't talk about being driven backwards by Laulala in the RWC final!
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