Hook in for Halfpenny

[Tobyglen]

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<H1 ="ss-er hstyle2 main-line">Hook in for Halfpenny</H1>
<H1 ="ss-er hstyle2 main-line">Ospreys fly-half pulled out of Wales' tour at the last minute</H1>
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Hook: Pulled out of Wales' tour to Canada and USA James is an accomplished goal kicker and has scored over 200 points for his country in his 33 appearances. Also, he has played at fly half, centre and full-back for Wales but is also comfortable at outside centre</DIV>
Wales' James Hook has been called up to the British and Irish Lions squad as a replacement for injured compatriot Leigh Halfpenny. The fly-half is the latest addition to the touring party, getting the nod ahead of England's Delon Armitage due to his goalkicking abilities.


Hook had been due to depart with Wales for their tour to Canada and the USA on Saturday. Instead he will travel to Bagshot to join up with the rest of the Lions before they fly out to South Africa on Sunday.


Head coach Ian McGeechan admitted the versatility of the 23-year-old, who can also play in the centres or at full-back, was a crucial factor.
<H4>Ideal person</H4>


"After analysing our requirements for a replacement as we head to South Africa on Sunday we decided that James was the ideal person to come into the tour squad," he said.


"A very important consideration for us was to strengthen the goal kicking options in the squad.


"James is an accomplished goal kicker and has scored over 200 points for his country in his 33 appearances. Also, he has played at fly half, centre and full-back for Wales but is also comfortable at outside centre.


"He is very familiar with other backs in the squad having played in the same Welsh team as Mike Phillips, Stephen Jones, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams and Lee Byrne.


"Three of these also play in the Ospreys team with him that also includes Tommy Bowe. Therefore there is an existing understanding between all of these players."


While confirming Hook's call-up, Lions tour manager Gerald Davies said there was still hope that Halfpenny could join up with the tourists.



<H5>Treatment</H5>


The Cardiff Blue will now return to his club for treatment on a thigh injury in the hope of joining up with the rest of the squad at a later date.


"Leigh Halfpenny has returned to Cardiff where he is to undergo treatment for his thigh injury," Davies said.


"As the injury means he will miss the start of the tour Ian McGeechan and his fellow selectors have called up James Hook to the squad for the tour to South Africa."


Hook's addition follows on from the announcement on Friday that Scotland hooker Ross Ford will take the place of Jerry Flannery, who was ruled out earlier in the week with an elbow injury.


I can't believe Delon Armitage didn't get the call up.</STYLE></DIV></DIV></DIV>

[toomey]

ROG might not even make the bench for the tests yet........

[Bitter As A Lemon]

Wouldn't have Hook next or near the test team, flakey at best.

[Tobyglen]

I agree Toomey, ROG would really want to step it up, I think he will struggle big time in SA. Delon Armitage should still have got the nod over Hook who has been very poor in the last season.

[toomey]

Ya Armitage should have been picked. You need pace...

[Red_langer1977]

ROG might not even make the bench for the tests yet........

You maybe on to somthing prior to the Game againist Leinster they must have been confident but after that maybe the Management has 2nd thoughts and bringing hook gives them more options.

[MunsterCardiff]

I think it could be the making of Hook, I think he's got plenty of talent and it could spur him on to perform. I think he's a good playe. /He could end up as test number 10, stranger things have happened!!

[Old Dog]

Looks like the Lions are getting closer to the squad that they should have picked in the first place.


But when will Geordan M get the call up?

[The Outlaw]

I think hook should have been picked anyway. His form has been iffy but he can cover 3 positions. The Lions don't have a lot fo players who can cover multiple positions.

[wally_fan]

murphy didnt have a great game today though - did he get injured early on? hook in might be good forthesquad, but they're still gonna miss flannery hugely

[kiki]

Looks like the Lions are getting closer to the squad that they should have picked in the first place.


But when will Geordan M get the call up?

Not even you OD can seriously claim that Ford is a better hooker than Flannery; can you?

[Old Dog]

Looks like the Lions are getting closer to the squad that they should have picked in the first place.


But when will Geordan M get the call up?

Not even you OD can seriously claim that Ford is a better hooker than Flannery; can you?

Of course not!


Hartley should have been picked originally. And he (or Jackman) should have been called up.

[ustix]

I agree Toomey, ROG would really want to step it up, <S&#079;NG>I think he will struggle big time in SA</S&#079;NG>. Delon Armitage should still have got the nod over Hook who has been very poor in the last season.

Harsh words. Might turn out to be true. My view is it's time to get behind ROG as SUPPORTers and back him up not cut him down. I've a hunch he'll fulfill himself out there fueled with that bit of bitterness and some **** the begrudgers thrown in. My only concern is the battering he might take physically. He's gonna need some minding so hopefully the tour party will unite rather than each for their own.

[Balla Boy]

Hook has stunk the place out every time I've seen him this year, not
least in the Quarter Final where he put in one of the worst OH
performances you could hope for from a player at that level.

[inoverthetop]

murphy didnt have a great game today though
- did he get injured early on? hook in might be good for*the*squad, but
they're still gonna miss flannery hugely

Do you think they will miss him as much as you love Trish? [img]smileys/biggrin.gif[/img]

[sewa]

Another trade mark tackle from Murphy again yesterday. Lions tourist me arse.

[masterchief]

Looks like the Lions are getting closer to the squad that they should have picked in the first place.


But when will Geordan M get the call up?

Not even you OD can seriously claim that Ford is a better hooker than Flannery; can you?

Of course not!


Hartley should have been picked originally. And he (or Jackman) should have been called up.

Jackman? OD have you been hitting the claret this morning?

[99_oK?]

Hook.....! It's a joke. The guy is so far off what is required for an international FH. Would he make the bench at either Munster or Leinster at any stage this year? - no. Keatly is better on current form and no-one is crowing about him.


His form in the HEC QF was putrid - just as he's been all year. Even Cipriani is better (altho he needs to pull his socks up too). If he wanted a replacement, then it should have been either a FH on some sort of form or a decent back 3 player like Armitage if he wants to cover those options. Like Croft, the guy just isn't good enough (he's also very, very flakey).

[The Outlaw]

Hook.....! It's a joke. The guy is so far off what is required for an international FH. Would he make the bench at either Munster or Leinster at any stage this year? - no. Keatly is better on current form and no-one is crowing about him.


His form in the HEC QF was putrid - just as he's been all year. Even Cipriani is better (altho he needs to pull his socks up too). If he wanted a replacement, then it should have been either a FH on some sort of form or a decent back 3 player like Armitage if he wants to cover those options. Like Croft, the guy just isn't good enough (he's also very, very flakey).

Don't agree - he's had a bad season. But he's sublimely talented. You all gave ROG a free pass on this website when his form was s**te for Ireland- maybe you should give Hook the same he kicked 20 points on his debut for wales against australia-so maybe you'd want to revisit the above. I've no doubt whatsoever he will be a class act in the years ahead.


Should he go on the Lions? ON form - probably not but what are the options. You've only got 2 outhalves. None of Cipriani, Wilkinson, Godman etc areplaying wellenough to tour. Hook can cover 3 positions -he's unlikely to see Test time so whats the big deal.

[Hugonaut]

'Don't agree - he's had a bad season. But he's sublimely talented.
You all gave ROG a free pass on this website when his form was
s**te for Ireland- maybe you should give Hook the same. He kicked
20 points on his debut for wales against australia-so maybe you'd
want to revisit the above. I've no doubt whatsoever he will be a class
act in the years ahead.' - The Outlaw

Couldn't agree more. Hook has had a bad season [and his
performance in the Ospreys' other big match, the Anglo Welsh cup
semi-final against Gloucester, was almost as bad as his performance
against Munster], but in my opinion he has the most
complete skill-set of any Northern Hemisphere outhalf: a good goal-
kicker, huge range of kicks from ball in hand, a lightning break
[outhalf is the toughest position to break from, but has the huge
benefits of keeping a back-line and defensive back-row honest and
stopping them drifting on to the three-quarter line], a step off either
foot, genuinely great distribution and a solid tackler.

On his day, he has a touch of absolute class to his game. He
managed to play his way off the plane with some rotten
performances in big games for the Ospreys [and he was poor for a
bad Welsh selection versus Italy], but I reckon that he can go out
with reduced pressure as a late call up and perform well.

Surprised that many Munsterfans are complaining about the omission
of Armitage, whose recent play at 13 for London Irish has been p¡ss-
poor and put a serious question mark over his ability to play the
variety of roles that the English media keep on bringing up. His form
at fullback in the latter half of the 6 Nations was deserving of a place,
but since he missed out on Lions selection he hasn't looked sharp at
all. Why would you want somebody to go who plays all the same
positions as Earls? Surely the latter will get more game time with the
inclusion of Hook, the late arrival of Halfpenny and the exclusion of
Armitage?

[galinka]

I think hook should have been picked anyway. His form has been iffy but he can cover 3 positions. The Lions don't have a lot fo players who can cover multiple positions.

Should have 3 at OH anyway - ridiculous going there with only 2 10's

[willsr]

<div>


Hook: Pulled out of Wales' tour to Canada and USA James is an
accomplished goal kicker and has scored over 200 points for his country
in his 33 appearances. Also, he has played at fly half, centre and
full-back for Wales but is also comfortable at outside centre</span></div>


Wales' James Hook has been called up to the British and Irish Lions
squad as a replacement for injured compatriot Leigh Halfpenny. The
fly-half is the latest addition to the touring party, getting the nod
ahead of England's Delon Armitage due to his goalkicking abilities.


Hook had been due to depart with Wales for their tour to Canada and
the USA on Saturday. Instead he will travel to Bagshot to join up with
the rest of the Lions before they fly out to South Africa on Sunday.


Head coach Ian McGeechan admitted the versatility of the
23-year-old, who can also play in the centres or at full-back, was a
crucial factor.

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Cures for Adult Acne and Scars

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[i_like_cake]

Best of luck to him, I wonder if he will attempt to get an even tan, or will he worry about visible panty lines....

[A7X07]

Halfpenny is recovering quick according to news reports and will be over to the lions in the next couple of days and should be ready to go. What does this mean for Hook? Sent back home?

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/lions/...halfpennyl.htm l

[McCloud]

irishexaminer.com


Halfpenny links up with Lions squad
Tuesday, June 02, 2009 - 02:09 PM


Leigh Halfpenny has linked up with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa.


The Wales wing reported for duty after completing his rehabilitation with Cardiff Blues’ medical team.


Halfpenny underwent a post-flight recovery session with the Lions medical staff following his arrival in Johannesburg.


His arrival comes nine days after the Lions left London without him, with Halfpenny remaining behind to undergo intensive treatment on a thigh injury.


“It is just great to be back with the team,” said the 20-year-old Blues star.


“I’ve been working really hard with the Cardiff medical team and they have got me back to full fitness, so I am raring to go for the Lions.


“Also, as the youngest player on tour, I now have responsibility for (mascot) Lenny the Lion, so Keith Earls officially handed over custody as soon as I walked into the team room!”


Halfpenny could conceivably feature against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.


Lions manager Gerald Davies added: “We are delighted that Leigh has rejoined the group.


“Having seen the medical team this morning, they have confirmed that he has arrived fully fit and so is available for selection following tomorrow night’s game against the Golden Lions.”

[Old Dog]

irishexaminer.com


Halfpenny links up with Lions squad
Tuesday, June 02, 2009 - 02:09 PM


Leigh Halfpenny has linked up with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa.


The Wales wing reported for duty after completing his rehabilitation with Cardiff Blues’ medical team.


Halfpenny underwent a post-flight recovery session with the Lions medical staff following his arrival in Johannesburg.


His arrival comes nine days after the Lions left London without him, with Halfpenny remaining behind to undergo intensive treatment on a thigh injury.


“It is just great to be back with the team,” said the 20-year-old Blues star.


“I’ve been working really hard with the Cardiff medical team and they have got me back to full fitness, so I am raring to go for the Lions.


“Also, as the youngest player on tour, I now have responsibility for (mascot) Lenny the Lion, so Keith Earls officially handed over custody as soon as I walked into the team room!”


Halfpenny could conceivably feature against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.


Lions manager Gerald Davies added: “We are delighted that Leigh has rejoined the group.


“Having seen the medical team this morning, they have confirmed that he has arrived fully fit and so is available for selection following tomorrow night’s game against the Golden Lions.”

It looks like ½pennycould have travelled with them in the first place - so was it all just a cunning plan to get the Hookster into the squad under false pretences?


I smells a large Scottisk/kiwi rat.


(Or had ½penny some dentistry exams to sit last week?)

[Brian9848]

I think he had to undergo a fitness test in Cardiff which also included
kicking to stress test the thigh in question and he came through fine.