Richmond’s ruck combination of Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo was a pivotal factor in its 36-point victory over Greater Western Sydney at the MCG yesterday.

Not only did Nankervis and Soldo significantly help the Tigers improve their clearance work after the disappointment of the opening round clash with Carlton, they both also hit the scoreboard.

Nankervis snapped a superb, soccer-style goal following up from a boundary throw-in, while Soldo scored two six-pointers from set shots to further highlight his deadly accuracy in front of the big sticks.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick praised the efforts of the ruck duo during his post-match press conference.

“I thought today Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo were difference makers in that part of the game (the centre clearances) . . ,” Hardwick said.

“Our rucks were a little bit disappointing last week, but they certainly took a big step forward today.

“Soldo’s basically missed 18 months of footy. He’s only going to get better, I think.

“He was a little bit disappointed with his game last week . . . He was a bit rusty, but it just takes time.

“I thought today he took a step forward again.

“He’ll get better as the season progresses.

“They’re just warriors, those two, with the way they go about it.

“They’ve got a relationship, got a good understanding about when to do certain things.

“So, I love the look of it (the two-rucks set-up).”