1
The one Wales selection ripped as 'demoralising' by Ian Gough
By Ian Cameron
Former Wales lock Ian Gough has criticized Cory Hill's unexpected international recall as "demoralising" for home-based players.
Hill, 32, last played for Wales three years ago and is currently with Japanese fourth division team Secom Rugguts.
Due to a second-row crisis in Wales, Hill has been included in Warren Gatland's squad for matches against South Africa and Australia.
The crisis is due to injuries to Adam Beard, Rhys Davies and Teddy Williams, Seb Davies's suspension, and Will Rowlands being rested.
Exeter's Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza are also unavailable for the Springboks Test. Gough - who earned 64 caps from 1998 to 2009 - argued Gatland's decision sends the "wrong message" to other players.
"For Cory Hill to get the red carpet back into the Wales squad grates on me," Gough told Radio Wales Sport. "He went to Japan for money, which is fine, but how can you pick someone who has been playing park rugby in Japan for a squad to play South Africa."
Hill initially moved to Japan to join the Yokohama Canon Eagles from Cardiff. In 2023 he transitioned to fourth division team Secom Rugguts - a move which offered financial incentives but a significantly less demanding standard of rugby. He could now be set to face the Springboks, arguably the sport's most physical Test side.
"He was a fantastic player but you should always judge on form and when was the last time he played a top-end game?
"When was the last time he was tested at any level, even a Champions Cup game or a URC quarter-final?"
"I don't agree with it. It doesn't send a good message to those players who stayed in Wales to ply their trade.
"It must be very demoralising for someone like Morgan Morris who has shown real consistency over the years and doesn't get in.
"Perhaps there is method in the madness but it seems like throwing a feather in the air and seeing which way the wind blows."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Leinster player ratings vs Sharks | 2024/25 URC
3
Fissler Confidential: Leicester Tigers set sights on Orlando Bailey
4
Wales given hands off message on rising star Kane James
5
Latest Comments
Contact: Morphohack@cyberservices.com This is the email that changed everything for me.
I thought my $88,000 in Bitcoin was lost forever. After exhausting every possible recovery method, resetting passwords, contacting exchanges, and searching through old files. I was at a complete loss. It felt like all hope was gone.
Then, I came across a review about MORPHOHACK CYBER SERVICES and their expertise in recovering lost Bitcoin. At first, I was skeptical. After all, I had already tried everything. But desperation pushed me to take a chance, and I reached out.
From the moment I contacted them, I was impressed by their professionalism and clear communication. They asked for the necessary details, explained the recovery process step by step, and reassured me that they had helped many others in my situation. Within just a few hours, to my absolute disbelief, they successfully recovered every last bit of my Bitcoin!
The relief and gratitude I felt were overwhelming. I had already accepted that my funds were gone, but thanks to Morphohack Cyber Service, I got everything back quickly and securely.
If you’ve lost Bitcoin due to a scam, forgotten passwords, or any technical issue, don’t give up hope. Morphohack Cyber Service has the skills, experience, and technology to help you recover what’s rightfully yours. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of crypto recovery.
Morphohackcyber.com
Go to commentsRealistically only three players definite Bok starters this year - the front row - which comfortably did the job. The rest of the team will not be anywhere in the shakeup for the championship or the incoming tours. Leinster’s young side did very well on this tour. It is obvious that the Leinster are on a different level of coaching and enthusiasm compared to the SA franchises. The No1 Leinster team is essentially Ireland - not one current SA franchise would be represented by more than three players in the Bok line-up. It’s both a strength and a weakness for Ireland. It’s an interesting dynamic.
Go to comments