Social media, stars of the into a broom cupboard!
Leigh, are never not going to be in the squad. Then you have Hallam Amos, then the likes of Sam Davies. He’s always been up against players that have been the favourites. He probably isn’t an option on the wing and that’s probably gone against him. ARE WE TOO DISCIPLINED? WHO DECIDES IF YOUR FACE FITS OR IF IT DOESN’T? LB: Nowadays with social media, you’re in the public eye. There was a time when we could go out after a game. You have to curb it when you get to Wales. You’re representing a nation. With the academies and stuff, there is a duty to look after yourself and those around you. If you have the talent, there’s no harm in having a beer. But I think the days of going out and getting very drunk may be gone. One click of a phone and you’re in the newspapers. SW: Rugby’s changing all the time. I grew up in a junior and youth culture where you played hard and went for a couple of pints. That was part of rugby. For me, it was all the way up to the national level. I see nothing wrong with it. Me, Byrney, Hooky, Phillsy, Henson – we used to play, win a big match and we were high fiving on the field, not just because we won, but because it meant we could have a beer. It has changed a little bit.
A lot of players don’t drink, there’s nothing wrong with that. It just depends on how you want to go. It’s a fine line as well. In this day and age, the players are machines, they’re bigger and better athletes. AH: I feel sorry for a lot of sports people today, They’re under so much scrutiny. The only way that’s safe for them to celebrate these days is the locker room. These guys are in a no-win situation, the pressure sometimes when they go out must be unbearable. JAMES HOOK AND GAVIN HENSON ARE COMING TO THE END OF THEIR INTERNATIONAL CHANCES, WHY HAVE THEY, FOR SO LONG, BEEN IGNORED BY WALES? SW: They’re among of the mosttalented players I’ve played with. Gavin is completely diferent to James. He was a superstar at a very young age and found it difficult. The fact that he took time out and expected to come back and for it to be the same was probably Gav’s downfall. We felt for Gav. He loved Wales and loved rugby, he was so talented and it was almost a waste. He was one of the best trainers and most naturally-talented players I’ve ever played with.
Hooky is another naturally-gifted person. His problem is that there were a lot of good 10s and he couldn’t cement his place in the Wales shirt. He became a utility back but he wanted to be fly-half. As a mate, you felt for him. He wanted to play 10 for Wales and he worked his socks off to try and do that. I was chuffed to see him return to the Ospreys. He’ll bring an awful lot back to that team. LB: When Hooky played he was a bit of a maverick and I think coaching staff may not have liked it. As players we loved it. Off the cuff, you knew he had a great hand-off and you knew to get on his shoulder. But Shaun and Gats liked structure. THOUGHTS ON THE RESIDENCY RULE AND MOVING ABROAD? LB: I’m not a big fan of the residency rule. Hadleigh Parkes has played well, but you look at players who could be there. Jamie Roberts fractured his skull for Wales and was left out because of it. Jamie may have been able to take it if it was a youngster coming through, but I don’t agree with it. Residency for me is a big no. On Rhys Webb, for me, I think you should play where you want to play until the regions can pay enough to keep you at home. SW: On the 60-cap ruling. If I was the Wales coach, I’d want access to the best Welsh players wherever they’re playing. The 60-cap rule is so tough on Rhys Webb, he’s a player we need in the squad. I can see the other side as well though. Our regions need to be strong and we need to keep bums on seats and the best players in the region. But if I was Wales coach, I’d be doing my best to have access to my best players. AH: I think it’s wrong with Parkes coming in and Webb being booted out. I’m dead against the residency rule. A lot of players go to the country that pays the most money. Nathan Hughes candidly admitted he went to England just for the money. ST: Personally, I think it should be 60 caps or 150 regional appearances. Webb has picked up so many injuries but he’s missed so much rugby for Wales – he’s made 148 regional appearances. Residency rule is going up to five years, I think that is a positive step. All of the countries are making use of the rules, should we not do it? It’s very harsh. Moving forward, long-term, you will see less instances of it. NOW YOU’RE NOW WORKING AS PUNDITS, DO YOU EVER GET STICK FROM EX-TEAM-MATES OR COACHES? SW: It’s great, you can say what you want now! One of my first games, Mike Phillips was playing. I was commenting on it and Mike missed a tackle and I said ‘Mike won’t be happy with missing that’ I’ve had six messages of MIke later that night. He’s had a few beers.
’You’ve changed!’‘We’re meant to be mates, don’t call me anymore!’ As the night went on the messages were getting a bit naughtier. I learned very early on that you can be critical but you have to pick and choose who you’re critical of. Next time he played I said he was amazing, even though he had a stinker. LB: Shane obviously does a lot more than me. You appreciate it more, being on the other side. When we’re playing we want to kill you journalists! But now we’ve finished we see it from your side and you just have to say what is front of you. WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD REPLACE WARREN GATLAND WHEN HE DOES GO? SW: I like Warren. I like how dry he is. Warren was completely honest about why he was in Wales and what he wanted to achieve. He’s going to be here until the end. He probably feels like he’s had his time and I think he’s done a good job. He’s probably found out the hard way that it’s tough to coach in Wales. He’s probably had a tough time of it sometimes. As a replacement, I honestly think Stephen Jones has done a great job in a short space of time. He’s not head coach at the moment but he’s definitely capable, especially in two years’ time. LB: I agree with Shane. He knows the game inside out. I’d like to see Dai Young considered. But I’d certainly like to see Stephen Jones and Dai Young both involved. AH: I’d like to see Dave Rennie, who seems to be able to get the best out of the players at his disposal. I think Gatland should have left after the 2015 RWC. I think two terms has been enough. ST: Rhys Patchell was fascinating a few weeks back, listening to him explain exactly what Stephen Jones has done for him. I would love to see Jones involved, whether it’s with Dai Young or Wayne Pivac. AND FINALLY.... MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT IN A DRESSING ROOM? LB: It’s about Andy Powell. We played Italy in about 2009. We were losing. Warren gave us a tuning, Shaun was shouting, Powelly stood up and there was a column in the middle of the changing rooms. He punched the column in the middle of the room and he said, ‘I’ve had this! I’m going out!’ Stormed through a door and into a broom cupboard! SW: 2009 Lions. I was involved in the Kings game. We had a few beers in the evening before until about 3am. At 7am, Howley knocked and told me I was needed for the Kings game, Halfpenny had gone down injured
I got into the changing rooms and I’ve got my boot on. Started putting my other boot on and then I realised I had two left boots. I looked through the bags and ended up playing with a size 9 – I’m a size 7! Don’t worry, it was only for the Lions.