Ruddock's case for the defence
2:45pm Tuesday 20th May 2008
SHUTTING down Bath's powerful ball-carriers and line-breakers will be key to winning Sunday's European Challenge Cup final, according to Worcester Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock.
The Welshman is convinced his side have the fire-power to open up Bath - as witnessed by the three tries his side scored against the West Country giants in the recent Premiership clash.
However, the key to the game will be how well his side can cope with Bath's rampaging runners. Ruddock insists he will need massive defensive efforts from the likes of centres Sam Tuitupou and Dale Rasmussen if Warriors are to hoist the silverware.
He said: "I am not sure Bath have got any weaknesses - they are a fine team with a fine coach and they play excellent rugby.
"They look to dominate the collisions and the tackle area and have some key ball-carriers like Danny Grewcock, Lee Mears and Matt Stevens, who always look to cross the game line.
"It will be a massive test for our defence and discipline, but if we can do that, I know we can score tries against them.
"We scored three tries in the Premiersip game with them recently, so our defence will be key.
"Bath are very much a ball-in-hand team who come out to move their opponents around and they like to go for the jugular in the first-half of matches.
"It will be a big effort to keep them out early doors as they come out of the blocks fast, so we will have to start well. If we are soft in the collisions, I have no doubt Bath will win.
"Bath lost to Wasps in the Guinness Premiership semi-final on Sunday and that will have a massive impact on the Challenge Cup final. Because they lost, they are in danger of ending their impressive season empty-handed, so will be doubly determined to win on Sunday.
"We will now face a massive challenge against a wounded team."
Not having a match at the weekend has enabled Ruddock to really do his homework on Sunday's opponents.
He said: "It has been really good in training. I have no doubt the extra bit of time we have had to prepare for the final has been good for us.
"We have been able to keep an eye on what Bath are doing too by looking at their line-outs, patterns of play and defensive structures which will give us a good insight.
"We've had a few people carrying bumps and bruises, but they have had time to rest those."