What the Hook is going on

Can anyone explain why hook is in the Squad?

Because he plays flyhalf?

Because the next in line was Henson?

Well Gatland obviously see him as his 2nd choice flyhalf. I also think hes played well for Perpignan and he covers a lot of positions which is useful in an international squad.

Personally I thought Priestland would have been moved to fullback and Hook would go to 10 given the fact that Priestland is a lot better fullback than Hooky.

So was moving halfpenny from fullback an admission that he's not a natural full back? And then replace him with a non full back, who when he has played full back as been useless.

Anyone know when the scarlets full back will be back?

Stoddard?

Im not sure what happened to be honest.
The theories are that Cuthbert was exposed defensively so Gatland didn't want to risk it and/or Halfpenny was struggling under the high ball.

Halfpenny wasn't struggling, its more to do with Kearney being one of the best in the world under the highball, he'd have given any fullback trouble yesterday.

Seems odd that Cuthbert was subbed so early, the one time he was seen to be caught out in defence was as much to do with a lack of communication in the line (especially from Priestland) than anything. Didn't feel that Hook added anything when he came on.

Welsh people are so fickle it's ridiculous!

Hook was a decidedly average full back at the best of times, particularly under the high ball - and he hasn't had game time there for ages.

It was a strange move - if Gatland was determined to bring Cuthbert off he could have just done a straight swap - Hook is fast enough to cover wing.

thebluesmancometh wrote:Welsh people are so fickle it's ridiculous!

Or maybe we just favour form.

If Gatland as that mutch faith in Priestland, then surley he (Gatland) would be better dropping Hook and bringing in Stephen Jones in.

Atleast he can kick goals.

Maybe because he rates Hook more. Thats why he was selected ahead of him.

Hook was probably brought on to kick goals if halfpenny didnt work out. great to know we had three goal kickers to chose from.

In that case Lloyd Williams should have started!

Also Byrne at FB, Hook at 10 (arguably), Aled Brew on the wing... Shall I go on?!

I'm not sure how many changes he could have done, there was no chance Robinson was coming on during that game.

I said we as in us Welsh. Gatland is picking the team, not us.
Wouldn't have had a problem with Byrne or Williams starting, though now I'm glad they didn't. Hook hasn't been in good form at 10.

Gatland was saying how Hook has been messed around and what does Gatland do, put Hook in his worst position i.e., FB. Byrne should be at least on the bench and drop S Williams as Hook covers centre and Flyhalf. Hook is not fast enough for wing I remember him being caught from behind by a prop!

Hook is going ok at 10, he is still re aclimatising remember!!!

True, it's a hard swap going from fake tan to real tan.

Byrne for me everytime. Hook has an air of almost. He th

Of course Byrne should start at fullback ahead of Hook. But we'll need flyhalf cover on the bench so against Italy i'd like see Hook and Byrne on the bench.

Inks and i think 10 is his best position - however, he's behind Stephen jones for me at the m

This bloomin phone...

fair enough if thats what you think but Gatland doesn't

George North could cover fly half save getting the others involved just let Phillips pass to him and then 1/2p to take the conversions

RubyGuby wrote:George North could cover fly half save getting the others involved just let Phillips pass to him and then 1/2p to take the conversions

Well, if Gethin was fit then obviously they would have put him on to replace Cuthbert on the wing,

But Hook was all we had (they wanted a taller FB to deal with Kearney, it didn't really work) - Byrne should have been on the bench in case that happened (but with doubts over Roberts they probably needed a solid centre, Williams on the bench)

wales606 wrote:
But Hook was all we had (they wanted a taller FB to deal with Kearney, it didn't really work)

The word 'tall'. The new buzzword in International rugby. Won't the refs also have to get 'taller' to enable then to speak directly to a player rather than telephoning him?

That's a tall order Fly

SecretFly wrote:

wales606 wrote:
But Hook was all we had (they wanted a taller FB to deal with Kearney, it didn't really work)

The word 'tall'. The new buzzword in International rugby. Won't the refs also have to get 'taller' to enable then to speak directly to a player rather than telephoning him?

But at FB when you have Kearney chipping the ball to you, size does matter (whatever you girlfriend says )

RubyGuby wrote:George North could cover fly half save getting the others involved just let Phillips pass to him and then 1/2p to take the conversions

Sounds like Wales are happy to turn themselves in to a one man team. Now where have I heard that before?

englandglory4ever wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:George North could cover fly half save getting the others involved just let Phillips pass to him and then 1/2p to take the conversions

Sounds like Wales are happy to turn themselves in to a one man team. Now where have I heard that before?

The above quote uses 3 players so not a 1 man team - Sounds like some on 606 are losing their sense of irony and parody as well - Any american blood in you by the way? The way people take the posts about George North literally is hilarious and perhaps more revealing than the posts themselves.

RubyGuby wrote:

englandglory4ever wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:George North could cover fly half save getting the others involved just let Phillips pass to him and then 1/2p to take the conversions

Sounds like Wales are happy to turn themselves in to a one man team. Now where have I heard that before?

The above quote uses 3 players so not a 1 man team - Sounds like some on 606 are losing their sense of irony and parody as well - Any american blood in you by the way? The way people take the posts about George North literally is hilarious and perhaps more revealing than the posts themselves.

Any different to the way you take the deliberatly silly responses

Any different to the way you take the deliberatly silly responses



Of course, mine are reasoned and intelligent responses

Guys, Cuthbert came off after taking a bang to the head, not a tactical move at all, so I expect to see him start there again this week.

Good news though is that Gethin and Lydiate are both taking a full part in training so things are looking up for selections.

Just move Ryan to 4 and Lydiate to 6 and away we go again for this weekend.