Slam still on for Ruddock

Coach Mike Ruddock praised his men for maintaining their composure and seeing off the challenge of a weak Scotland side at Dubarry Park last night to set up a Grand Slam decider away to England next Friday.

Ireland were the dominant side throughout but while they did not build on a promising start, Ruddock was pleased with the way they kept plugging away and eventually saw off the Scots with a brace of late tries.

“We always felt there was a danger with this game but our defence was again superb and to not concede a score in international rugby is a fair achievement,” said Ruddock.