Irish rue loss of Ruddock

Ireland v Samoa:IRELAND UNDER-20 coach Allen Clarke believes Declan Kidney's decision to select Rhys Ruddock for tomorrow's clash against the New Zealand Maori vindicated the backrow's decision to represent the country of his birth.

Born in Ireland, Ruddock is the son of Welsh Grand Slam winning coach Mike and played underage rugby for Wales before switching to Leinster and Ireland last year.

After impressing in the Under-20 Six Nations and in three appearances for Leinster, he has received his senior call and, while he has been missed in Argentina, Clarke says the youngster will take his chance in Rotorua.

“He’s a talented young man,” the eight-times capped hooker said. “He’s realistic about where he is, but he’s had a break now. That’s why he came to Ireland, to develop his rugby and to play for Ireland. I’m sure he won’t let anybody down.

“We’ve lost our skipper and he’s been a talisman for the side all season. It’s been a privilege to work with him all season and he’s up with the seniors now and that’s what it’s about in many respects.”

Clarke’s charges take on Samoa this afternoon in the semi-final of the ninth placed play-off after they disappointingly finished bottom of Group B. Samoa beat Ireland 9-3 in last year’s tournament. This year they shipped 77 points to New Zealand, they tested Wales and came up just short against Fiji.

Clarke rings the changes for the clash, with only six keeping their place after the defeat to Argentina as Andrew Boyle and Martin Moore win their first caps.

IRELAND: A Conway (Blackrock/Leinster); A Boyle (UCD/Leinster), B Macken (Blackrock/ Leinster), D McSharry (UCD/Leinster), S Zebo (Cork Con/Munster); N Reid (UCD/ Leinster), M Heaney (Belfast Harl/Ulster); B Cagney (UCC/Munster), N Annett (Belfast Harl/Ulster), M Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster); B Hayes (Cork Con/Munster), B Marshall (UCD/Leinster); J Murphy (Blackrock/ Leinster), B OHara (UL Bohemian/Munster), P Butler (Shannon/Munster).