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James Hook problem

Well done to Wales, finished 4th despite my belief we wouldn't even get out of the group, a good tournament overall and restored some much needed self respect.

Just wanted to discuss the James Hook problem really. When Priestland was injured I was lambasted for saying Jones should start at fly half, 'no no no everyone said, James Hook is amazing.'
Well, he might've had a few good games for Wales but he has been awful in this RWC. His terrible performance at fullback against S.A. a dropped ball which led to a try after his pathetic tackle attempt in the corner. Missed penalties which cost us the game.

Started at 10 vs France, missed countless chances with the boot and failed to put us in the right areas of the pitch time and time again. Steven Jones comes on and suddenly we start kicking for territory and one kick leads to the Mike Phillips try, we all start believing we can win this (thanks to Steven Jones).

Started 10 vs Aus, again missed penalties (costing the game) and another rubbish performance at 10, did George North ever get the ball in space? No, because Hook can't get the backline moving.
Hook's kick conversion % was roughly 54%, Steven Jones' was roughly 90% before anyone starts telling me Jones missed just as many.

I'm sorry to all the Hook fans but I can't help but feel that it's time we look elsewhere for cover to our FB and FH. Unfortunately his favoured position of bench warmer has meant he's utilised in many positions but is not much good in any of them any more. Time to develop the fantastic Tavis Knoyle and Matthew Morgan as FH cover. I'd also like to see more of Tom Prydie, Kristian Phillips and Dan Fish in the Wales set up.

posted on 26/10/11

Backrow cover doesn't appear to be a problem for us, there were a couple of excellent youngsters left at home who can do a job for us if we get injuries. The biggest problem facing us must be the front row, I noticed that a couple of youngsters were included in the RWC squad but they don't look appropriate cover for injuries to me. They aren't ready, these youngsters development must be a priority for Wales now.

posted on 26/10/11

Hooks best days have been at 12, running lines, breaking the line, offloading in the tackle etc etc.
I never considered him to be a 10 but thought he may be capable of doing a job at 15 if required.

Now with Robertson coming back to form in the 12 spot i guess that could seal Hooks faith as a squad player rather then a regular starter, but that would only work in a situation where he is considered as a utility player primarily covering centre and maybe 15 if needed.

I am not alone in thinking that he has been mistreated in his career when nobody including himself seems to be sure of his best position and he was moved from pillar to post and eventually shoehorned in to the 10 position where he has rarely impressed but due to and in no small part to the Welsh fans of which a large majority were screaming for him at 10 not more then a year and a half ago.

To be fair, Hook is fine player an excellent player and its a shame how quickly a star can fall and people turn their back, i guess he is a victim of circumstance and ill treatment by management both at regional and International level who insisted on playing him out of position for so long, now he doesn't know what his best position is. This problem had a symptom and im really sorry to bring it up but its a vlid point and should be mentioned when we talk about hook. That symptom was the fact that Roberts was out of form for the past 2 years since the Lions tour and then compounded further by the fact that people did not even consider Hook for the 12 slot but instead favoured Henson to come back from his eternal Holidays/dancing adventures. But people still really wanted Hook in the side... So what to do... Well lets just slot him in at ten! He's so good he can play any position and then we have space for Gav when ever he decides to show up. Yes lets have our cake and eat it.

Didn't work.... and Hook has paid a heavy price for it now being the villain who is "past it".

It's a bloody shame plain and simple.

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