Laulala Joining Munster

[psychic duck]

what happened to Leamy? before the 07 World Cup may saw him as one of best 8's in Europe but after that tournament he seems to have lost his way

 

[big ginger 8]

Injury plus the emergence of Heaslip.

 

[Gavin]

Wouldn't mind seeing George Smith joining Munster, though this is just a hope because it would never happen. In saying that Smith would be the type of backrow Munster should try and sign; a world class fetcher could help in the development of young Irish fetchers.

 

[munstermuffin]

Cheers Snoop it'd be more Dom Ryan that I'd expect overtake Ruddock. Just seen Murphy a few times and seemed handy.
Agreed with comments on back row but Donnacha Ryan is now an established 4 who can cover 6 but primarily he's an international 4.

 

[profitius]

@munstermuffin
Jordi Murphy isn't in the same league as Rhys Ruddock. Ruddock is good enough to win a bagful of international caps. Murphy is a Pro 12 player at best in my opinion.

What makes Ruddock so good? Genuine question.

 

[coonor]

What makes Ruddock so good? Genuine question.

Good question, from what what i've seen you can't knock his work rate, leadership and potential but it also appears that his carries can often be ineffective. He is a big guy but can be quite upright when carrying in my opinion. He however does seem to be everywhere and carries alot during games.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

@profitius
Ruddock has excellent leadership skills, is strong at the breakdown and is a very competent defender. He's shown a few times an ability to explode onto the ball, notably in the Heineken Cup against Bath, and beat defenders. I'm no rugby expert so I won't say that he needs to improve his body position when tackled but he does appear to run too upright with the ball which can lead to him being driven backwards, similar to Devin Toner.