Welsh World Cup Squad - Hookers

Hookers

There are a number of choices, some good, others promising, one rated by the coach but not by the fans. State your thoughts and vote for your man. I presume we will take two hookers.

The line out has been a constant issue for Wales since the mid to late eighties when Bob Norster ruled the lofty, unassisted heights.


Lloyd Burns (Dragons) 2011 - 1 Cap

Huw Bennett (Ospreys) 2003 - 39 Caps

Ken Owens (Scarlets) No Caps but has been a squad member since 2010 when fit.

Matthew Rees (Scarlets) 2004 - 46 Caps (10 points) Lions 2 Caps

Richard Hibbard may be fit in time. Should have added him to the mix. Sorry

It's obivous what the majority vote will be, isn't it? (Rees, Hibbard, Burns). I suppose Gatland will again be opting for Bennet though

I've voted for Rees and Hibbard (added him in for you Maes ) mainly because I think they are the 2 best srcummagers and are both good in the loose. Think they're our best throwers at the line out too. Don't want to see Bennett anywhere near NZ but have a horrid feeling he'll be there.

Cheers RD mate.

As we are likely to take three hookers, I went Rees, Hibbard and Burns (who is probably the most in form). If it were two then no Burns. If Bennett goes, then I'll refuse point blank to watch any game with him involved. I do think that Gatland will take Bennett.

Hibbard and Rees, or to put it another way anyone but Bennett!

Rees is head and shoulders above the rest. Gatland will need to pick three for this very specialised position, of the remainder Hibbard and Owens are the next best, but both are coming back from significant injuries. So I suspect that Bennett will go!!!!!!!!!!!

I went for Rees Hibbard Burns in that order.

Pity there wasn't an ' anyone bad Bennett' choice even though we all know HE WILL go.

Sea,

Given Owens hasn't played hardly any rugby of note I would take Burns at least he has had some game time this season though ur right Bennett will get nod.

who the hell voted for bennett you jokers!

I voted everyone except Bennett - he's awful, but yes Gatland will probably take him. No T Rhys Thomas? My personal preference would be in this order:

1 Rees
2 Hibbard
3 Thomas
4 Burns
5 Owens ....

10 Darth Vader ....

7,000,000,000 Huw Bennett

Seems quite sound that all agree with each other regarding the selection of Rees, Hibbard and Burns, we all agree that Bennett is not a great selection.

Everyone still baffled at Gatlands persistence with Bennett?

Maybe it is just experience? It certainly seems that Gatland values experience very highly, possibly too highly occaisionally.

is anyone keeping tabs on these polls to put a 606v2 Welsh RWC team selection together?

I'll have a look when we get through it.

Unfortunately guye we all know Bennett will be on the plane.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Unfortunately guye we all know Bennett will be on the plane.

I don't think he is a cert unless Hibbard is injured or Burns doesn't work out.

mm,

I wish I had your confidence I just think no matter what happens he will go as third choice behind Rees and Hibbard or (heaven forbid) as second choice to Rees if Hibbard is injured.

mckay1402 wrote:who the hell voted for bennett you jokers!

This is a vote for who ever you want. Someone may see the value in Bennett, the selectors at the WRU and the Ospreys do.

Everyone on here gives him a lot of stick. Most of it unjustified.


He certainly isn't the best Hooker in my opinion but he isnt deserving of anywhere near the amount of rubbish complained about on here.

Maesteg

I disagree. I am a hooker myself and I can tell you that Huw Bennett is not good enough to be in the Wales squad. He has two main tasks and one of those he is completely incapable of performing. If a fly half couldn't pass you'd drop him like a stone but alhough Huw Bennett can't throw a lineout to save his life Gatland still picks him. Fair enough if he's like Gethin around the park but he isn't.

mckay1402 wrote:Maesteg

I disagree. I am a hooker myself and I can tell you that Huw Bennett is not good enough to be in the Wales squad. He has two main tasks and one of those he is completely incapable of performing. If a fly half couldn't pass you'd drop him like a stone but alhough Huw Bennett can't throw a lineout to save his life Gatland still picks him. Fair enough if he's like Gethin around the park but he isn't.

I agree that unless things change dramatically in Spala, he will never be remembered for his precision at the line out.

He isn't a maniac in the grafting stakes either I agree.

But I do think he gets an unfair amount of abuse on 606 that isn't seen in the published media.

I personally don't rate him as highly as any of the other selections above and voted accordingly. But I don't think it is fair to rip people who value him.

And as much as you, I would very much like to read their reason for voting for him.