James Hook gives his verdict on which Wales players can make the Lions... and he also has special mention for one Scottish import
James Hook isn’t writing off the Lions prospects of Wales veteran Alun Wyn Jones, claiming that the lockdown shutdown of the 2020 season will prove beneficial to the 35-year-old’s chances of not only touring but also challenging for a Test spot.
Jones is two caps shy of equalling Richie McCaw’s all-time record of 149 Test caps (138 Wales/9 Lions) and Hook, who himself won 81 caps for Wales between 2006 and 2015 and toured with the 2009 Lions, believes there is plenty mileage yet in the Welsh skipper.
“100 per cent,” he said during an appearance on All Access, the RugbyPass interview show. “Lockdown for Alun Wyn has been a godsend. He will definitely go on that Lions tour providing he is fit and someone like Al, he could push his way into the Test team but there is obviously (Maro) Itoje and (James) Ryan who are right up there for a starting spot… he’s two caps off the most international capped ever. What an achievement that is! You have a think about that for a second.
“Jonathan Davies, he is one of (Warren) Gatland’s favourites. He played his first game (since November) last weekend against the Ospreys, had 40 minutes and came through alright. He doesn’t need a lot of games. If he can just show that he is right up there with what he was like before he got injured he will probably be starting in the centre with (Manu) Tuilagi.
“The other Welsh boys? I suppose the bolters, there is a probably Louis-Rees Zammit. He hasn’t had a cap yet but he is one who can potentially push his way through. I know you look at Stuart Hogg at 15 and you also have Liam Williams.
“Leigh Halfpenny is playing some really good rugby. He has been criticised over the last couple of years for his attacking ability but he has developed that a little bit and is still one of the best defensive 15s in the world. I don’t think any other 15 on the world could have made a tackle like that (last month versus Toulon).
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“Other bolters? Maybe (Duhan) van der Merwe because he can be capped now (by Scotland). His stats before the end of the PRO14 last season were ridiculous and he is Gatland’s type of winger. He’s big, strong, powerful, can beat big blokes and particularly out in the South Africa you want boys like that who are big and physical and can make big yards. Who knows, it’s months down the line and a lot can change.”
Having retired from playing last season and recently published his book, Chasing a Rugby Dream: Kick Off, 35-year-old Hook has moved into coaching and now is skills and kicking coach at Ospreys this season. Having spent many years himself plying his trade in the PRO14, the former out-half claimed that stronger XVs filled with Test players is the way forward if the league is to attract better attendances once fans are allowed to return to games.
“Whatever structure, what you need is the best players playing for the clubs as much as possible. When I first started playing for the Ospreys the crowds turned up when Ospreys were playing against the Leinsters when they had the Darcys, O’Driscolls, these big internationals playing.
“At the moment, far too often the international boys are not playing. Obviously there is no crowds in the stadiums at the moment but you want the supporters to look at the teamsheet and see the big internationals they have seen during the Six Nations and Autumn internationals coming to local club grounds and playing.
“That is going to bring the fans to the stadium and that revenue which rugby needs. Whichever way the PRO14 is structured, most people want to see those big players playing more that than can now. It is dictated by the unions as well. Take Alun Wyn as an example – they are going to want him for Wales as much as possible.
“He’s probably a bit of an exception because he is an older athlete and needs to be looked after a bit more. But it’s almost a tug of war, Wales want their best players and the clubs want their internationals as much as possible,” continnued Hook.
“Speaking from an Ospreys point of view, we’re not blessed with a ridiculous amount of players like Leinster so when we lose four, five top internationals you notice a bit of a difference. You have a lot of the younger boys coming through, which is great for them getting the opportunity, but you need that experienced head to guide them along.”
UNBELIEVABLE! https://t.co/6hLP39WioT
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 2, 2020
Comments on RugbyPass
It was a let’s-see-what-you're-made-of type of a game. The Bulls do look good when the opposition allows them to, but Munster shut them down, and they could not find a way through. Jake should be very worried about their chances in the competition.
2 Go to commentsHats off to Fabian for a very impressive journey to date. Is it as ‘uniquely unlikely’ as Rugby Pass suggests, given Anton Segner’s journey at the Blues?
1 Go to commentsSad that this was not confirmed. When administrators talk about expanding the game they evidently don’t include pathways to the top tier of rugby for teams outside of the old boys club. Rugby deserves better, and certainly Georgia does.
1 Go to commentsLions might take him on if they move on Van Rooyen but I doubt he will want to go back, might consider it a step backwards for himself. Sharks would take him on but if Plumtree goes on to win the challenge cup they will keep him on. Also sharks showing some promising signs recently. Stormers and Bulls are stable and Springboks are already filled up. Quality coach though, interesting to see where he ends up
1 Go to commentsAnd the person responsible for creating a culture of accountability is?
2 Go to commentsMore useless words from Ben Smith -Please get another team to write about. SA really dont need your input, it suck anyway.
264 Go to commentsThis disgraceful episode must result in management and coach team sackings. A new manager with worse results than previous and the coaching staff need to coached. Awful massacre led by donkeys.
1 Go to commentsInteresting article with one glaring mistake. This sentence: “And between the top four nations right now, Ireland, France, South Africa, and New Zealand…” should read: And between the top four nations right now, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and France…”. Get it right wistful thinkers, its not that hard.
23 Go to commentsHow did Penny get the gig anyway?
2 Go to commentsNice write up Nick and I would have agreed a week ago. However as you would know Cale & co got absolutely monstered by the Blues back row of Sotutu, Ioane and Papaliti and not all of these 3 are guaranteed a start in the Black jumper. He may need to put some kgs before stepping up, Spring tour? After the week end Joe will be a bit more restless. Will need to pick a mobile tough pack for Wales and hope England does the right thing and bashes the ABs. I like your last paragraph but I would bring Swinton, Hannigan into the 6 role and Bobby V to 8
21 Go to commentsThe Crusaders can still get in to the Play Off’s. The imminent return of outstanding captain Scott Barrett and his All Black team mate Codie Taylor will be a big boost.There are others like Tamaiti Williams too. Two home games coming up. Fellow Crusader fans get there and support these guys. I will be.
1 Go to commentsCant get more Wellington than Proctor.
2 Go to commentsWhy not let the media decide. Like how they choose the head coach. Like most of us we entrust the rugby system to choose. A rugby team includes the coaches. It's collective.
13 Go to commentsHi NIck, I have been very impressed with him and he seems a smart player who can see opportunities which Bobby V _(who must be an international 6_) doesn’t see or have the speed to take advantage of. If he continues to improve and puts on 5kgs then he could be a great 8. He is a bit taller than Keiran Reid at 1.93m and 111 kgs, so his skill set fits his body size and who knows where it will lead. I hope the spate of Achilles tendon issues have been dealt with by the S&C people. It’s been a very long time since Mark Loane and Kefu stood out at 8. The question is will we be able to hold onto him, if he does make it he will be pretty hot property. I disagree with the idea of letting them go to the Northern Hemisphere and then bring them back.
21 Go to commentsBilly Fulton 🤣🤣🤣🤣 garrrmon not even close
13 Go to commentsDoes the AI take into account refs? hahaha Seriously why not have two on field refs to avoid bias?
23 Go to commentsVern challenging this Blues side might be the edge they need to fulfill their potential. Convincing results from strong D and strong carries are hard to argue against.
1 Go to commentsLove seems to add a strong back field defense with speed to close the gap and tackle to his ability to attack, kick and pass (an accurate long pass). This sets him an edge over some of the other names - JRK in particular. Has to be said that Jordan and Stevenson have also been exposed defensively while Love has yet to face test match intensity. Spoilt for choice.
1 Go to commentsHe’s strung together a few strong seasons, I’d like to see him in the ABs and build some depth along with Reiko and ALB. Levi Aumua hasn’t taken the step we hoped to see but time yet.
2 Go to commentsWhere has our good friend Pecos gone!? Similar place to the Crusaders D, the abyss.
4 Go to comments