Do you have a link to where he said this?
In the 25min interview posted by ratsapprentice previously on this threa. Post #472. Gatland is specifically asked about how many 10's will go and he replies that most likely 2 along with a utility back to cover.
I personally think Hook's usefulness for versatility is overrated. He is a very average full back and I don't want to see him play there as he isn't of much use there, he is just a fly half or centre in my opinion which makes him no more versatile than Farrell or some other fly half options. I bet Farrell could be as good a full back as Hook is too as well. Also Hook's bench cameos in the 6 Nations were awful, his "impact" was normally to throw over ambitious crap passes and lose possession such as this.
I agree that his 6 nations cameo's were pretty poor. However I don't think he's become a poor player overnight.
I also wouldn't start him at 15, but you can't cover every position from the bench, and thus someone with international experience at 4 positions could come in extremely useful if a couple of injuries are picked up during a match. I'd prefer to see Hook coming on at fullback than shoehorning someone like Sexton or Farrell there if a couple of outside backs are forced off during the game. Not saying that Sexton or Farrell couldn't do the job, but they are untested. Hook, even if he hasn't been a world beater at 15, has been more than adequate, and would do the job if required.
Disagreed. Leinster v Clermont last season was just as physical and intense and certainly as quick. And to be honest the skills and creativity in that match trumped both Wales and England. To say that doesn't come close is crazy. The Ospreys v Leinster Pro12 final was pretty intense as well.
The top domestic teams in Europe are pretty much international.
I still don't think the quality is comparable. The Wales team would obliterate all the Welsh regions, including the Ospreys. Even though the calibre of player is comparable, the intensity they play with isn't. Players simply couldn't cope with playing at international intensity throughout the season, highlighted by how much work is done at international level to raise the fitness and conditioning levels before big tournaments.
Leinster v Clermont was a great domestic game, but still didn't reach the level of the top international games. Pretty much every player comments on how much quicker international rugby is than domestic after their first cap, and this is why some players struggle to make the transition. Even one of Leinsters big game players, Sexton struggled with the transition and needed time to adjust. Biggar is another who struggled, as have numerous others in the past.
He was Ireland's only player who performed vs Italy at 12. I agree with what you've said but playing 12 vs Melbourne Rebels' B team etc... doesn't mean you had to be international standard.
No player should be going with just the view of playing against Melbourne Rebels B team. If one of Farrell or Sexton got injured (your other two 10's), then he's be on the bench in the main tests, and that could require covering in the centre with a test series on the line. Madigan's barely played for Ireland yet, and is second choice at his province, too early for the Lions imo.
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