He did it, what’s more, not in a landslide win over Italy but against England in Cardiff at the end of a tournament when a home defeat by Ireland followed by three more in Edinburgh, Paris and Rome left Wales marooned at the bottom. On St Patrick’s Day 2007, Hook averted the crisis of a whitewash by ensuring that the winning margin, 27-18, proved just enough to leave Scotland bottom on points-difference.
During the next six months, Wales rewarded him with three starts in a row, then shifted him back to inside centre before the riotous run-in with Fiji in Nantes brought about Gareth Jenkins’ brutal sacking the next morning, the penalty for having found himself on marginally the wrong side of a 72-point classic.
Hook’s confirmation that he will retire at the end of the season prompts the renewal of a question which his admirers have asked ad infinitum without getting close to a satisfactory explanation:
Why were Wales so reluctant to pick him at ten?
The facts lend credence to the question. Of all Hook’s 81 Tests, he started a mere 21 at fly-half. In other words, barely one-quarter of his total appearances in his favourite position.
Worse still, he was in and out at ten for Wales on at least 13 occasions. Apart from that three-match run into the 2007 World Cup, he was never allowed more than two outings on the bounce. Even making full allowance for the squad system, that takes some understanding.
Denne historien er fra January 19, 2020-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra January 19, 2020-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
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Dramatic late win boosts leaders
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England need to be more consistent
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Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
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Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
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Scott-Young keen to follow his father
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When value for money is not part of the deal
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'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
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