Ruddock warning for Horsman

WALES boss Mike Ruddock has warned Chris Horsman over his future conduct after the Worcester prop was sin-binned at a crucial time in Saturday’s 33-16 defeat to South Africa.

Horsman was called into a meeting with Ruddock at the Wales base yesterday and reminded in no uncertain terms how important discipline is “even in the heat of battle”.

Wales held a man advantage with South Africa full-back Percy Montgomery in the sin-bin and only trailed by seven points when Horsman was yellow-carded for throwing a punch at opposite number CJ van der Linde.

While he was cooling down on the sidelines, the Springboks scored their third try to open a 23-9 lead and effectively take the game beyond Wales.

Ruddock explained: “I am not happy with the yellow card and measures have been taken in that regard. I had a one-to-one with the player. He was warned before the game that his discipline was important and I feel he has let us down. He was told about that. It is important we don’t make it an ongoing thing.”

Horsman had played a key role in establishing a forward platform as the Welsh scrummage put South Africa’s powerful pack under huge pressure, but was devastated at his moment of madness.

“I let myself down and I let the squad down. I held my hands up and I was first to apologise in the changing room,” said Horsman.

“I never expected to be sent off in a Welsh jersey and I am genuinely really, really upset. But you learn. I am not a dirty player by any means, I am just disappointed to have let everyone down. It takes the gloss off your individual performance. We controlled the game up front against a team that prides itself on being strong and physical. We matched them in some areas and in others I think we had the nudge on them.”

The Welsh forward pressure forced South Africa into a front-row change after only 36 minutes when veteran behemoth Os du Randt replaced Lawrence Sephaka.

The Welsh players, despite the disappointment of defeat, remain united in the belief that with one final push they can claim that elusive southern hemisphere scalp against Australia and bring a tough autumn campaign to a victorious conclusion.

“That was definitely a step up on the last few games and we feel there is a lot still to come from us, especially in attack where we are not quite there,” said flanker Martyn Williams.

Ruddock has challenged his troops to produce a “perfect” game next weekend and end their tough autumn campaign with victory over Australia.