Ruddock: My cash is on Wales all the way in RWC
MIKE Ruddock is backing Wales to win the World Cup and end the debate over their elevation to No. 1 in the global rankings.
The former Grand Slam coach has struck a private £20 bet that Wales will become only the second European team to collect the pot of gold, emulating England in 2003.
“This is the best chance Wales have ever had of winning the World Cup,’’ he told The Rugby Paper from his home near Dublin. “They have been pretty special over the last 18 months with the Grand Slam and winning 15 matches out of 16.
“On current form they absolutely deserve their ranking as the No.1 team. I am confident they will go all the way and the fact that I’ve struck a bet with a friend shows how confident I am.
“Warren Gatland has had a lot of time to build a lot of continuity and consistency among the coaches and the players. Their results speak for themselves while the All Blacks have struggled a bit.
“Wales came close in New Zealand eight years ago and they will be all the wiser for that experience. They would probably have got to the final if it hadn’t been for Sam Warburton’s red card against France in the semi.’’
The No.1 ranked country has won three of the last four World Cups – New Zealand, twice, and England. The exception, South Africa, were ranked third behind the All Blacks when they won in 2007.
“Years ago I was a big fan of David Bedford, the middle-distance runner,’’ Ruddock said. “He always seemed to be No.1 in the world until he came to the Olympics. Wales would swop their position at the top of the rankings for a gold medal in Japan.”
Ruddock, head coach during Wales’ Grand Slam in 2005, resigned halfway through the following Six Nations.
A former Ireland U20 coach, Ruddock could have a double family interest in Ireland’s Japanese campaign with his Welsh-born younger son, Ciaran, part of the conditioning team.
Elder son Rhys hopes to be fit to reinforce his World Cup claim against Wales after captaining Ireland to a five-try home win over Italy a fortnight ago.