Rhys Ruddock in the right form to make his case for international selection

The problem for Rhys Ruddock is that his high points in green have been all too brief

Leinster's Rhys Ruddock in a line-out against Ulster earlier this month. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

If it wasn't quite top of the world territory then it can't have felt far off it when Rhys Ruddock sat beside his brother Ciaran on the 24th floor of the New Otani Hotel in Chiba and reflected on their roles in Ireland's upcoming World Cup campaign.

The Leinster man's only previous experience of the tournament had been a 10-minute cameo off the bench against Argentina four years earlier, his 'opportunity' coming six days after arriving in Wales for the injured Peter O'Mahony. The Pumas had already pulled clear by the time he made the turf.