Priestland and Hook

Gatland seems likely to stick with Priestland at 10 for the big match on Saturday. I personally think that is the right decision since it's too late in the championship to make such a big change. The only possible replacement Hook has spent no time at all coming off the bench at 10, instead coming on at 15. This is a big contrast with 2008 when Gatland interchanged Jones and Hook, and could confidently bring either of them off the bench to play 10 at critical points in the game.

However, there is no avoiding the fact that Priestland's performances have declined as the 6N has continued, his shocker against England followed by a very unconvincing and indecisive performance against Italy. What do people think about Gatland's loyalty to Priestland? Right to stick behind a player he clearly rates and whose confidence he wants to keep intact, or an error not to have given Hook some opportunities to show what he can do?

I'm a bit in two minds myself. I think it's good that Gats is giving RP every chance to play his way out of a rut, but can't help thinking Hook could have done with some of the same loyalty at times during the last 5 years or so. Apart from the World Cup semi and 3rd place play off, I personally think that despite some flaws, Hook has generally performed much better at 10 for Wales than he is often given credit for. If Jenkins and then Gatland (not to mention the Ospreys) had stuck with him at 10, who knows what level he might have reached now.

Either way, I feel this is a really crucial game not just for Wales but for Priestland's international career - the coaches have stood by him, now time to show what he's made of. I hope he does just that.

Excellent post on this often aired topic, Cadair.

If Hook had been given the run that Stephen Jones had at 10 (7 years before he was any good!) or Priestland is getting now, he would have been sensational. By far the most talented player of his generation - which counted against him when he showed some weakness in 'controlling a game' (because he had little experience), as he was good enough to be slotted in elsewhere in the backs.

Thing is - Hook was moved around because he lacked 'game management'. What do you do with Priestland who, decent enough club player that he is, will never make an international 10 because he lacks pace and can't kick long or straight enough at test level?

Preistland actually played pretty well against Italy

His performance against Ireland is one of the best ive seen from a welsh 10 (bar the place kicking)

He does have pace, can kick long (certainly longer than Jones) and his tactical kicking can be wonderful (see Northampton vs Scarlets)

Preistland has performed better at 10 than Hook has since 2008.

Casartelli wrote:What do you do with Priestland who, decent enough club player that he is, will never make an international 10 because he lacks pace and can't kick long or straight enough at test level?

Didnt do Stephen Jones any harm!
Not ideal,but much like The Count,if he is the best that we have,he is the no 10.If he continues as he has ,doing the best that he can, he will be forgiven his shortcomings just like Stephen Jones was.

He cant play against england, but seems to play well against the rest- keep presitland

I think Priestland is getting a tough ride on here. If you saw a few of Brynmores analysis on Scrum V you may have noticed how the England and Italian defences targeted Priestland 3:1 to cut down his options.

I thought when faced with the same problem vs Italy he dealt with it better. France haven't been employing such precise analysis of opposition attacking threats, they are concentrating far more on an all up defence and imposing their own game plan when in possession.

I think France will select a better team to play Wales and will perform much better than their last two matches this weekend.

Can't wait...!

I think Gatland said that he had considered bringing Priestland off against England but relented because he was confident of the win and that Priestland would learn from such stern examinations.

It's swings and roundabouts but persistence in selection will breed experience in the first team.

Priestland is a very good player but he is being pushed very hard by good defences. Italy's was exceptional when you look at their statistics.

Casartelli wrote:Excellent post on this often aired topic, Cadair.

If Hook had been given the run that Stephen Jones had at 10 (7 years before he was any good!) or Priestland is getting now, he would have been sensational. By far the most talented player of his generation - which counted against him when he showed some weakness in 'controlling a game' (because he had little experience), as he was good enough to be slotted in elsewhere in the backs.

Thing is - Hook was moved around because he lacked 'game management'. What do you do with Priestland who, decent enough club player that he is, will never make an international 10 because he lacks pace and can't kick long or straight enough at test level?

You're quite right Casartelli, game management is the stick that has been used to beat Hook with. I agree with everything you say but I've always felt it was a shame that he got that reputation. I remember his 1st (I think?) cap when he came on against Australia back in Nov 06 as a replacement for Jones back and then, after playing at 12 for most of the 2007 championship, he was finally moved to 10 and we beat England to avoid the wooden spoon - his game management was exemplary for such a young international 10. And then he got shifted by Jenkins back to 12 for the 2007 world cup and it's been the same old story since...

I know he's had some dodgy moments but ironically he's had far more at 12 than 10.

Sadly,Hook is now an irrelevance.His time has gone unless he shines in France.

Taffineastbourne wrote:Sadly,Hook is now an irrelevance.His time has gone unless he shines in France.

I think that's a bit premature - he's only 26 and Priestland is 25! I agree that Hook's international career is precarious, but so is Priestland's frankly. It all hinges on what happens on the summer tour and this autumn's matches I think, which is why I made the original post really. I think the choice of outside half is the biggest decision Gats is going to have to make over the next couple of years. Priestland will have to improve if he's going to keep that 10 shirt. Otherwise, someone else will have to have a chance in Australia, and as things stand Hook is our replacement 10 even if he's also covering other positions. So I don't think his time has quite gone, yet.

I've never been convinced with Hook as a 10 for Wales or for the Ospreys.

The mentality in Wales seems to be that the most talented back should be playing at out-half whether they're any good there or not.

In my eyes Hook, Henson and Tovey all have better positions than 10. I think Gatland sees this and is right in backing Priestland as the best specialist 10 we have.

Hook has proved he is neither a 10 nor a 15.He has 12 & 13 to make a fist of.He is adequate cover for all.

The best thing is that we have a couple of experienced flyhalfs competing for the shirt. There is some talented players beneath them to.

All looks great for the future.

You probably didn't know but back in 76 Phill Bennett was fourth choice for Wales at the start of the six nations, we had a terrible run of injuries and he was given a chance against England at Twickenham. We ended up with a Grandslam that year.

History makes you think players like Bennett and Barry John were always first choice. They weren't they had to fight Blwdi hard for that shirt, which is what made welsh rugby great.

The more competition the better.

maest very similar to the england cricket team(well when it comes to bowlers) its all about competition for places, problem is with english rugby- it can seem like a lottery, where do you start!

maestegmafia wrote:The best thing is that we have a couple of experienced flyhalfs competing for the shirt. There is some talented players beneath them to.

All looks great for the future.

You probably didn't know but back in 76 Phill Bennett was fourth choice for Wales at the start of the six nations, we had a terrible run of injuries and he was given a chance against England at Twickenham. We ended up with a Grandslam that year.

History makes you think players like Bennett and Barry John were always first choice. They weren't they had to fight Blwdi hard for that shirt, which is what made welsh rugby great.

The more competition the better.

Shingler,please read this.Otherwise go and eat haggis and feel hard done by as you fester away.

Taffineastbourne wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:The best thing is that we have a couple of experienced flyhalfs competing for the shirt. There is some talented players beneath them to.

All looks great for the future.

You probably didn't know but back in 76 Phill Bennett was fourth choice for Wales at the start of the six nations, we had a terrible run of injuries and he was given a chance against England at Twickenham. We ended up with a Grandslam that year.

History makes you think players like Bennett and Barry John were always first choice. They weren't they had to fight Blwdi hard for that shirt, which is what made welsh rugby great.

The more competition the better.

Shingler,please read this.Otherwise go and eat haggis and feel hard done by as you fester away.

I think that was the point of the WRU contesting Scotland selecting him

A prime example of where priestland is better than hook was Roberts try v Italy. Its basic, but the draw and pass was perfect by priestland. Hook seems to ship the ball and support.

When hook gets the ball in hand I feel uncomfortable. He needs far more game time at 10. Don't forget he's had multiple oppertunities. Biggers 10 for Os because hook fell apart.

The Priest was much better vs. Italy. He showed us the good side of his game, which is passing and distribution. On the other hand, his tacitcal kicking was still inadequate. He kicked away possession repeatedly in attack, as noted by Jiffy, and not well. He did the same against Scotland.

Problem is the England game was a kind of watershed in perceptiion. I think many of us had him down as cool customer who combined some of the good qualities of Jones with a bit of speed and flair. Now we've seen the fragility and so will all the opposition coaches. France is a big game for him. They have the best halfback pairing in the NH, and probably they won't be on the bench this time.

BTW, Hook has had more games than Priestland at 10 this year. Gatland is right to stick by his man for the time being, but will probably considering a Plan B.

samuraidragon wrote:The Priest was much better vs. Italy. He showed us the good side of his game, which is passing and distribution. On the other hand, his tacitcal kicking was still inadequate. He kicked away possession repeatedly in attack, as noted by Jiffy, and not well. He did the same against Scotland.

Problem is the England game was a kind of watershed in perceptiion. I think many of us had him down as cool customer who combined some of the good qualities of Jones with a bit of speed and flair. Now we've seen the fragility and so will all the opposition coaches. France is a big game for him. They have the best halfback pairing in the NH, and probably they won't be on the bench this time.

BTW, Hook has had more games than Priestland at 10 this year. Gatland is right to stick by his man for the time being, but will probably considering a Plan B.

Sorry, I can't agree, we seem to forget how poor hooks kicking out of hand has been

Don't get me wrong, I'm not praising priestland, but I thInk the welsh backline plays far better with him there

Let's see how he goes against France. Let's face it, Italy are very limited. This is going to be the real test.

Casartelli wrote:Excellent post on this often aired topic, Cadair.

If Hook had been given the run that Stephen Jones had at 10 (7 years before he was any good!) or Priestland is getting now, he would have been sensational. By far the most talented player of his generation - which counted against him when he showed some weakness in 'controlling a game' (because he had little experience), as he was good enough to be slotted in elsewhere in the backs.

Thing is - Hook was moved around because he lacked 'game management'. What do you do with Priestland who, decent enough club player that he is, will never make an international 10 because he lacks pace and can't kick long or straight enough at test level?

Some rubbish spouted here Mr F,
So lets say it AGAIN

* Jones was stated by Graham Henry as a potential world class centre in his early years (who was also moved around alot as well) playing FB, Centre and Flyhalf for Wales so to say that he had more opportunities is tosh, he was French player of the year etc etc (will Hook get anywhere close to that??), he is not a headline running 10, but he was a quantum leap above above the rest as a complete player

* Hook in his first 2-3 International seasons played more games at 10 than Jones, Sweeney and Robinson put together (the stats clearly reveal this).... that means Hook had MORE opportunities than the rest combined

but Mr F
"say it enough and it will become true" "most naturally talented"........... ahem Nicky Robinson was by far more naturally talented or even Henson arguably was certainly much more talented

* Hook played 2-3 season at regional at 10 before he declined rapidly season on season until the Os having the forwards lost confidence in in the flyhalf were forced to make a move for the novice Biggar who guided them to become the Magners League winners, the rest is history

Now lets gets some sense here
Preistland is probably a more inovative player than Hook in all aspects of the flyhalf channel, but with ball in hand he makes the right decisions (only RUNS when its the right thing to do), and bring the forwards and backs into play, he has got just a varied kicking range and is certainly more accurate than Hooky even taking into account his recent mares, but more importantly he is an AWARE player just look at Roberts try as an example, Priestland made that by drawing the defence and weighted the pass perfectly (ala Regan King who must take such a lot of credit in how Priestland has learnt to time his passes)

Hooks has had some MOM games in the welsh jersey but his games again Australia, Ireland and France were epic in how bad a footballer really can play in the 10 jersey, and I seem to remember him missing 3 on the bounce against England before Gatland hollered "no more! give Wellies the kicking duties even if its out of his range" and lo and behold he put the first two right between the posts

The only reason Hook is on the bench is that he is versatile, he can cover 15, 13, 12, and 10 he certainly is not the best or even second choice in any those positions but he is the best at covering all four roles, so versatility brings him into the game, which is a shame as young Beck who is currently a genuine game changer could be on the bench waiting to come on like Scott Williams

To end Priestland is a confidence player when he is lacking in it he can play poor, but just listening to him talking you know he is such an aware player and when he is on song he is so much a better player than Hook in the 10 slot

............. and he is a country mile above any other Welsh 10s currently

If you start Hook in the 10 jersey you will probably lose the French game and the 'slam

samuraidragon wrote:The Priest was much better vs. Italy. He showed us the good side of his game, which is passing and distribution. On the other hand, his tacitcal kicking was still inadequate. He kicked away possession repeatedly in attack, as noted by Jiffy, and not well. He did the same against Scotland.

Problem is the England game was a kind of watershed in perceptiion. I think many of us had him down as cool customer who combined some of the good qualities of Jones with a bit of speed and flair. Now we've seen the fragility and so will all the opposition coaches. France is a big game for him. They have the best halfback pairing in the NH, and probably they won't be on the bench this time.

BTW, Hook has had more games than Priestland at 10 this year. Gatland is right to stick by his man for the time being, but will probably considering a Plan B.

Well done Samurai , I know you have been a staunch Hook supporter but its good to see you stating good facts, the issue is that people will state so many times that Priestland has been given more opportunities than Hook has (when it is quite inaccurate) that it will become fact

The issue is he really only has had one poor game for Wales and you still won, the Italians really targeted him 3:1 on most occasions and taking that into account he didnt play bad

Is Hook really only a year older than Preistland???

thebluesmancometh wrote:Is Hook really only a year older than Preistland???

You have to remember that Priestland studied for a degree in Economics so you could argue that it took precidence in his formative years, so he could be perceived as a late starter with good reason

By he was picked in the RTW team of the world cup
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/worldcup/highlights.html?3088943,3088943,flash,255

Ah, FHF, what took you so long? Commiserations on the Scottish results, by the way. They've raised their game considerably and were worth a few wins. Next season they'll be a real threat.

On the Priest, well, yes and no. He debuted for the Scarlets in 2005 and actually has more regional games under his belt than the 26 year old Sexton. Let's see how he goes vs. France.

Yes good post.

FH is such a crucial position & it is no coincidence that the decline in the Welsh performances has been down to RP not being in control.
This has been due to good aggressive defence but also lack of confidence as he has hesitated badly at times. Couple that with quite ordinary kicking from hand.

The good thing from a welsh perspective & very fortunately for RP Wales have won. Otherwise I think his head could well be on the line.

He may 'get away' with it again against France but not Oz.

He is crucial to Wales success against Oz if he fails Wales will be in a hole.

I'm sure after a good season with the blues Tovey will be fighting it out with preistland. His tactical kicking is far superior abs there both threats with ball in habd

I thought Preistland had a good game against Ireland but his positional kicking out of hand was poor giving possession back to Ireland that they kindly kicked back. Against Scotland he made a couple of nice short breaks but kicking out of hand poor again. Against England he was figured out and to say he was poor in the extreme is not an understatement, him going off was the best to happen for Wales and did nothing when he came back on. The last game against Italy he was marginally better than against England in that he was not charged down, again his kicking apart from the cross kick to Cuthbert was poor,.How many times this 6N has he kicked into the 25m and the ball was marked or gone dead under no pressure!

Wales have no choice but to select Preistland on Saturday as nobody else has had game time, I don't see Preistland as a long term answer, he is not a good goal kicker, 1/2 Penny takes the kicks to touch on the right and the goal shots, Preistland's strength is his passing and he has good distance for clearance kicks for touch (against Ireland).

I am hoping Tovey comes through at the Blues as he is the best kicker out of hand again a good passer and runner but he is not the best kicker at goal however 1/2 Penny is going OK at the moment. I know Hook and Jones were poor at the RWC but they are more complete players than Preistland, in Hook's case with game time at 10 in France he should be looked at again during the AI's. The problem with Hook like R Jones they are great bench options due to their multi-role abilities.

dont think rp is the long term answer, he has lost confidence since kicking duties taken off him. he may develop and loose this hesitancy which is putting us in potentially match losing situations.

however, for the moment as most have said , we need to stick with him.
hook has had his chances, the world cup he was handed his 'preferred position' he was the choice 10 at the ospreys and he lost it. it was his to keep or loose.

this next game will be crucial, good luck to rp, but i still reckon our future 10 for this team will be someone else.

Some peoples view are beyond belief.

Priestland has been injured and played very little rugby before the 6 Nations. Any Fly Half needs matches to gain that confidence. Wales needed him back and he didnt have the luxury of regaining his form first.

To suggest he's rubbish at goal kicking is a bit short sighted too. He's as good a goalkicker as anyone else in Wales. Halfpenny does have more distance though. The main reason he was missing kicks though is that even during the opening 2 weeks of the 6 nations he had limited kicking practices. Any Ex Fly Half on here knows you cant just come back from injury and start banging them over.

For me the guy is clearly ahead of any other Wales options. Hes calm, strong in defence, good passing game, lies flat and kicks well. What more do people want?!

Im not worried about him though because given time back with the Scarlets he will find that form again.

what does a welsh mushroom taste like?

mystiroakey wrote:what does a welsh mushroom taste like?

Damp coal

i like mushrooms.

Lessons need to be learned, Hook bottled it big time last time we played France. Just saw some highlights from that fateful semi, reminded me just how awful and unforgivable some of those misses at goal were. No less than he has deserved since, for that and jumping ship to France, to be nowhere near the starting XV. Though to be fair, I feel Hook has been making positive impacts off the bench.

Admittedly Priestland has suffered two poor outings in a row, he's still inexperienced at this level and has much more to learn. I hope he clicks on Saturday or we could be in a tight spot. Effectively we need better competition/strength in depth at 10 with Jones not getting younger and Hook and Priestland appearing so mentally fragile of late.

knowsit,

I think we have players in the background in the likes of Tovey, Biggar and maybe even Morgan but we now need to try and bring these guys on and I suggest that the summer tour and AI be used for this.

to be honest Priestland is massively overrated IMO...would much rather have hook in a side over priestland.

cricket,

On current or recent form I don't think many would agree with you on that, if Hook was to start or even have to come on at 10 on Saturday I will be having kittens all game.

Hopefully France can do for his game what it did for wellies but it doesn't seem to be doing it at the moment.

A quick peek at the 'stats' reveals that since the Grand Slam game against France in 2008 (which we won), the longest run of starts (without being moved out of position or on to the bench) that Hook has been given at outside half is - two.

I can't actually believe this.

Priestland will make an eighth straight start at 10 if he's first choice against France.

Stephen Jones had about a hundred and fifty before he could 'control a game'. Even though he still couldn't kick it very far.

One game was against Scotland as Gatland was under pressure to get a win so he dropped Jones, after that game a centre got injured and Hook moved to centre against Italy with Jones coming back for the easy game, Hook set up tow tries and kicked a drop goal at the end to seal the victory as we know Jones ducks out of drop goals. The other game was against France as some on here keep reminding us of his one bad game in the 6N (I believe Wales won all games he started at 10 up to that point) before the RWC.

samuraidragon wrote:Ah, FHF, what took you so long? Commiserations on the Scottish results, by the way. They've raised their game considerably and were worth a few wins. Next season they'll be a real threat.

On the Priest, well, yes and no. He debuted for the Scarlets in 2005 and actually has more regional games under his belt than the 26 year old Sexton. Let's see how he goes vs. France.

Hey there Samurai old pal

Must be bl00dy marvelous to be Welsh at the mo (and bloody depressing to be US )............. sign of a potentially great side when you can win without playing on top of your game, I will be rooting tooting rip roaring you on this saturday

I agree with you Priestland might not be your total solution at the moment but he can be very very good when on song, I quite like matthew Morgan and Steffan Jones as well (you need that A side mate to blood these 10s)

All the best (from a very envious but pleased Scot) Wales for Saturday

Hey FHF

Hows it going negotiating your client Wellies a new contract?

Ha ha ha

Hope alls well mate not seen you about much recently.

if by some misfortune hook has to come on as 10, and has a mare, his fans who WANT him to play 10 will say ' yes, he was poor, but he hasnt played there much see boys, so its not fair to criticise him'
if he does ok his fans will say 'told you he should be 10' the guy cant loose either way.
it was a strange silence after the rwc. he wasnt screamed about in the press like sjones has been on bad days, or indeed like a few players have been mauled for poor performances. but i think the emperors cloak finally slipped in the rwc.
good cover for 4 positions, but still keeping out better 2nd choices in those positions, which overall is not good for the development of those coming through.

Cadair Idris wrote:Gatland seems likely to stick with Priestland at 10 for the big match on Saturday. I personally think that is the right decision since it's too late in the championship to make such a big change. The only possible replacement Hook has spent no time at all coming off the bench at 10, instead coming on at 15. This is a big contrast with 2008 when Gatland interchanged Jones and Hook, and could confidently bring either of them off the bench to play 10 at critical points in the game.

However, there is no avoiding the fact that Priestland's performances have declined as the 6N has continued, his shocker against England followed by a very unconvincing and indecisive performance against Italy. What do people think about Gatland's loyalty to Priestland? Right to stick behind a player he clearly rates and whose confidence he wants to keep intact, or an error not to have given Hook some opportunities to show what he can do?

I'm a bit in two minds myself. I think it's good that Gats is giving RP every chance to play his way out of a rut, but can't help thinking Hook could have done with some of the same loyalty at times during the last 5 years or so. Apart from the World Cup semi and 3rd place play off, I personally think that despite some flaws, Hook has generally performed much better at 10 for Wales than he is often given credit for. If Jenkins and then Gatland (not to mention the Ospreys) had stuck with him at 10, who knows what level he might have reached now.

Either way, I feel this is a really crucial game not just for Wales but for Priestland's international career - the coaches have stood by him, now time to show what he's made of. I hope he does just that.

I am almost tired of making this point, but every coach who has had Hook has looked at him at 10 and said NO THANKS. How many times does this have to happen for people to accept that Hooky is not good enough at 10 at club level let alone International. Someone commented his time has gone. It never existed. The desire for Hook to be the answer when Wellies went, was nothing more than desperation. We have a number of young 10's we need to bring through. Rhys is leaning his trade at this level the hard way, but the best way, and will become the best 10 for a couple of generations. Forget Hook he shouldn't even be in the squad. Gatland needs to blood some youngsters so that we have back up when we need it.

maestegmafia wrote:Hey FHF

Hows it going negotiating your client Wellies a new contract?

Ha ha ha

Hope alls well mate not seen you about much recently.

Maes me old mucker........ hows the holiday tan?........ no white lines I hope?

Business is booming grrrrrrrrrr, social life down the pan, away from home too much and WIFE IS DELIGHTED she has just taken lodger Henson in as a temporary measure to remind her "whats it all about" (big boy grrrrrrrrrr watch it Gav)

Seen the Scotland home games (sob), if I hear "plucky losers" one more time I will plucking explode

Looking at Gatlands selection I am going to buck the current love affair with Mr G by stating he continues to make wrong selections, he should have put on Hook at the 60 min (not the 74 min whats the point? the game was won 20 mins before that) and shoved him into the 10 role thus providing him with some valuable game time at the flyhalf role, putting the Priest at FB (giving him a breather and out of the goldfish bowl)............ 6 mins at FB is doing no-one any favours

Get a grip Mr G

Its important for Priestland to have time facing a tough situation, he'll learn more from the experience for the future.

We had already won the game so it wasn't a concern.

Watch out for Henson he washed my wifes car when he was a teenager as part of a drive for raising money for Swansea Youth Rugby. I caught her flirting outrageously with him, he was only about 17 too...! Terrible behaviour by a woman old enough to be his Grandmother...

dragonbreath wrote:

Cadair Idris wrote:Gatland seems likely to stick with Priestland at 10 for the big match on Saturday. I personally think that is the right decision since it's too late in the championship to make such a big change. The only possible replacement Hook has spent no time at all coming off the bench at 10, instead coming on at 15. This is a big contrast with 2008 when Gatland interchanged Jones and Hook, and could confidently bring either of them off the bench to play 10 at critical points in the game.

However, there is no avoiding the fact that Priestland's performances have declined as the 6N has continued, his shocker against England followed by a very unconvincing and indecisive performance against Italy. What do people think about Gatland's loyalty to Priestland? Right to stick behind a player he clearly rates and whose confidence he wants to keep intact, or an error not to have given Hook some opportunities to show what he can do?

I'm a bit in two minds myself. I think it's good that Gats is giving RP every chance to play his way out of a rut, but can't help thinking Hook could have done with some of the same loyalty at times during the last 5 years or so. Apart from the World Cup semi and 3rd place play off, I personally think that despite some flaws, Hook has generally performed much better at 10 for Wales than he is often given credit for. If Jenkins and then Gatland (not to mention the Ospreys) had stuck with him at 10, who knows what level he might have reached now.

Either way, I feel this is a really crucial game not just for Wales but for Priestland's international career - the coaches have stood by him, now time to show what he's made of. I hope he does just that.

I am almost tired of making this point, but every coach who has had Hook has looked at him at 10 and said NO THANKS. How many times does this have to happen for people to accept that Hooky is not good enough at 10 at club level let alone International. Someone commented his time has gone. It never existed. The desire for Hook to be the answer when Wellies went, was nothing more than desperation. We have a number of young 10's we need to bring through. Rhys is leaning his trade at this level the hard way, but the best way, and will become the best 10 for a couple of generations. Forget Hook he shouldn't even be in the squad. Gatland needs to blood some youngsters so that we have back up when we need it.

Not really. Lyn Jones saw him as a 10 (a good coach). Sean Holley and Scott Johnson (Poopie coaches) didn't and pushed him around different positions. As such Gatland couldn't pick him at 10 for internationals because he wasn't playing there for his region, when he was he played him at 10.
And also S Jones was in such good form towards the end of the 08 season that he deserved to start. But Gatland said that Hook was such a talented player that he needed him in the starting 15 none the less, plus Henson was out injured. Hook has been playing well for Perpignan at 10. He should be in the squad and he is because the coaching staff think hes a good player, thank god you're not a part of it.

Go Wales

The voice of reason through a myriad of personal interpretation.

Totally agree, Go Wales has hit the nail directly on the head.

Holley, Humph and (subsequently) Johnson decided on a whim that Hook couldn't 'control a game' (nice bit of management-speak nonsense) - and that ended up depriving Wales of a once-in-a-generation talent at 10.

Holley, Humph and Johnson haven't the credentials to run Blaengarw Youth 2nds, let alone be allowed near a professional outfit.

Thanks boys.