Mike Ruddock: Warriors will clip Falcons' wings

Apr 25 2008

MIKE Ruddock is confident his Worcester side have the game to take on Newcastle Falcons in tonight's televised European Challenge Cup semi-final at Sixways.

After a dismal start, the Warriors have been showing improved form and a 100 per cent record in the Challenge Cup has earned them home advantage with a Heineken Cup place up for grabs for the eventual winners.

Ruddock said: "Newcastle are going to be a tough opposition. They really don't have many weaknesses. We need to seize the initiative and try and control the game."

The relegation of Leeds Carnegie has taken pressure of Warriors and Ruddock said: "Although Premiership survival is clearly important, nothing has changed really since our survival was assured.

"We have been trying to play with freedom all season, which has probably cost us games. The side had always been encouraged to play low-risk rugby and this season we have gone against that."