Ruddock earns surprise call-up to Kidney’s depleted squad

DECLAN KIDNEY last night plucked a rookie back row all the way from Argentina after suspension and injury depleted a squad still dazed from Saturday’s dispiriting defeat to the All Blacks in New Plymouth.

Hours after Jamie Heaslip was hit with a five-weeks ban for his moment of madness when he twice kneed Richie McCaw in the head, Leinster back row Rhys Ruddock was the surprising call up to the panel.

With confirmation also coming that John Muldoon is out for an extended period – he will undergo surgery on his nasty arm break in Auckland today – and Mick O’Driscoll in danger of joining him on the plane home with back spasms, Kidney had to act.