South African star Bobby Skinstad looks set to make his Newport Gwent Dragons debut tonight but coach Mike Ruddock has warned him 'you'll have to earn your place'.
Skinstad, named among the replacements for tonight's game against Leinster at Rodney Parade, was widely expected to go straight into the side for the Celtic League clash.
But Ruddock is unwilling to disrupt the dressing room spirit which has helped the Dragons rise to third in the table, insisting Skinstad will have to prove himself to his new team-mates.
"There was a massive temptation to throw him in straight away," said Ruddock.
"But in fairness to the rest of the team, he'll be on the bench as I don't want to undermine the team spirit which has been an important factor of our success this season.
"Even Bob admitted that it wouldn't be right for him to come in and he's as keen as anyone to prove himself to his new team-mates.
"Also there's the fact that he broke his elbow not so long ago and has not played first-team rugby for a while. He's in great nick though, is looking very fit and athletic and has settled in very well and is a nice bloke." Ruddock added: "He needs to earn his shirt and earn respect."
The Dragons coach has labelled the game as 'must-win' and is desperate to get one over on the side he once coached.
"From my point of view there is an added incentive to win this one," he said.
"I said to the players yesterday that as professionals all games are the same to them, but from my point of view I'm particularly keen to win this game."
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