Share
14th March 2016
08:23am GMT
Well, Hook can't resist commenting on the health of Ireland's talisman.
While he stopped short of calling for Sexton to hang up his boots again, in his Irish Independent column on Monday he does have another little needle at the number 10 in relation to his health and well-being.
"If Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton kick as badly against Scotland as they did against England, then victory will remain elusive. The good news is that the out-half was replaced early on, which will do his health no end of good."It's true that Sexton shipped another couple of hefty hits on Saturday before being called ashore 10 minutes into the second half, but why use the word "health" instead of "fitness", as Hook surely would with any other Irish rugby player? Otherwise Hook was predictably curmudgeonly in the face of Ireland's 58-15 disassembling of a poor Italian outfit, questioning Simon Zebo's defence for David Odiete's try.
He highlights a genuine dilemma for Schmidt ahead of Saturday's finale as the coach weighs up whether to start Zebo or the fit-again Rob Kearney at full-back. Hook reckons it should be neither.
"One has always had the impression that Schmidt does not fancy Simon Zebo and Saturday demonstrated why. The full back was always a threat in attack but in his two outings at full-back this season he has been less than secure," writes Hook.
"The choice at No 15 next week will rest between Rob Kearney, who cannot attack, and Simon Zebo, who cannot defend. Meanwhile the two best full-backs in Ireland will play out of position in midfield."There is less chance of Jared Payne or Robbie Henshaw donning the 15 jersey on Saturday than there is of Hook and Sexton exchanging Christmas cards.
Explore more on these topics:
