RHYS RUDDOCK ADMITS that Saturday’s game against Munster is a must-win for his Leinster side.
Seven points separate the two provinces in the Guinness Pro12 table as the teams enter their final four regular season games of the campaign.
The Blues went down by a single point to Connacht on Saturday night in Galway and require a win over fierce rivals Munster to stay on course for a home semi-final.
“Yeah, I think it is a must-win,” admitted Ruddock. “There are four games in the regular season left and then depending on how results go, the play-off games.
“I think every game is a must-win going into the end of the season, so we’re certainly approaching it as a must-win.”
We have to put our best foot forward and have things in our own hands rather than counting on others to get results for us.”
Ruddock says that he is expecting a tough test from Munster, who crushed Zebre 47-0 on Friday night.
“They seem to be playing good rugby the last number of weeks.
“They will be confident coming to play us in our own back yard, these games are the biggest games of all for both teams, and we have got them in the Aviva.”
The 25-year-old Ireland international says there is room for improvement as far as Leinster are concerned, after they were beaten at the Sportsground on Saturday evening.
“I think it was always going to be a tough task, going away to Connacht and the form they’re in.
“The lesson learnt was when we’re in a position to win it in the second half, we have to move on it and take our chances.”
Meanwhile, scrum coach John Fogarty expects both Cian Healy and Luke Fitzgerald to be available for Saturday’s 5.30pm kick off in the Aviva Stadium.
It was a really physical game with a lot of big hits, we were lucky to come out with just the two guys hurt.”
“Cian Healy hyperextended his back and Luke Fitzgerald got a stinger, but hopefully they should be fine for Saturday.”
We need to see how they come through medicals today and hopefully both will be back on the field tomorrow.”
Fogarty also revealed Jonny Sexton is likely to start this weekend, having sat out the Connacht game.
“He came back from Ireland duty with a couple of niggles… It’s important he was given time to get right, but he’s fit and available for next week.”