Career ending?
After last week’s shambolic performance against Ireland, Wales coach Warren Gatland has take out his scythe and hacked the World Cup ambitions of three of the country’s most well known rugby players to little-bitty pieces.
Mike Phillips, James Hook and Richard Hibbard could be facing the end of their international careers after the former Ireland coach reduced his panel to 38 today.
All three are former Lions and featured in last week’s 35-21 loss in the Millennium Stadium.
Phillips has 94 caps for his country and despite his move to Racing Metro has been very much a major feature of the Gatland era.
The axe on his international career leaves Wales heading into a World Cup with Rhys Webb, Gareth Davies and Lloyd Williams as scrum-half options
Ronan O’Gara expressed his sympathy for the One Direction fan on Twitter:
Thinking of the great guy @mikephillips009 left stranded on 99 Test caps after today's cut.#sportiscruel#whatdoesntkillyoumakesustronger
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) August 13, 2015
However the most head scratching could be the omission of Hibbard who is widely regarded as still one of the best forwards in world rugby.
Sections of the Welsh public are not happy with Gatland’s call.
Still can't get my head around Hibbard being kicked from the WC squad!!😐😐
— Dan (@Dan9james9) August 13, 2015
James Hook dropping understandable, but Richard Hibbard and Mike Phillips. Warren.G hope this doesn't come back to haunt you #RWC
— asaba bryan (@basaba07) August 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/Mattster5950/status/631813967531409408
