Confident Ruddock believes charges can live up to world class standard

Irish U-20 coach Mike Ruddock believes his side can follow up on last year’s stunning opening day victory against South Africa by again laying down an early marker in the opening game of the Junior World Championship against Australia in Vannes this evening (5.45pm Irish time).

Ireland achieved their highest ever finish in this tournament last year when they finished fifth and Ruddock, now in his third season in charge, believes that win over the hosts was the key to their best JWC.

South Africa recovered to go on and become the first country other than New Zealand to win the competition, and Ruddock believes Ireland can benefit from that win.