Ruddock’s squad on learning curve as Munster pipped

IRELAND U20 coach Mike Ruddock described yesterday’s World Cup warm-up game at Musgrave Park as “a very useful exercise” as he finalises his preparations for next month’s tournament in Italy.

Two tries in the last three minutes gave Ireland a win they hardly deserved after Ruddock gave game time to over 30 players against the Munster Development selection.

Ruddock said: “We learned a bit of a lesson at the breakdown and that is something we will have to work on. But, overall, this was what we wanted, it was nice to get a win but it was never about winning or losing, rather it was to get a look at all these players and help me make the final selection adjustments. We have Leinster next week and we have to do a bit of work at the breakdown and on our defence.”