Warren Gatland got a glimpse into the machine yesterday. The Sky Sports reporter sent to Carton House had one brief and one brief only – Jonny Wilkinson.
The European player of the year guided Toulon to a first Heineken Cup last Saturday, with a flawless 17 from 17 goal kicks and two drop goals in the knockout stages. Factoring in his back catalogue, the reporter all but demanded the English legend's inclusion on tour, regardless of how late he arrives.
“No,” Gatland replied. “I don’t think anything has changed from the conversation we had last time. If we pick up an injury on tour, then maybe there’s a conversation to have.”
Gatland’s a wise old owl. He saw the next question from a mile out. “If we had taken 38 rather than 37, it wouldn’t have been another 10, it would have been another loose forward.”
That should’ve sated the machine, the inference being Chris Robshaw may yet tour.
Interestingly, Wilkinson confirmed yesterday that he is happily on the standby list.
But what if Toulouse crush Toulon this weekend and Jonny is available (Sky Sports insisted, public interest their only motivation)?
“How do I say ‘no’ in a different way?”
The reporter wasn’t letting up, and it was getting awfully entertaining, until it all became too squeamish for a parochial reporter who (literally) welcomed Gatland to Ireland with a soft change of course question.
We now know that Scottish fullback Stuart Hogg (20) is the third-string outhalf and will feature at pivot against the Barbarians on June 1st. "I grew up as a 10 actually," said Hogg. "Until I moved to Glasgow I played 10 and centre. Last week I did have a shot at 10 and this week I'll probably be doing much of the same. When you got the likes of Jamie Roberts and Brian O'Driscoll around you it is pretty easy to play 10."
Ironically, Robbie Deans, Gatland's counterpart in Australia, faces the exact same inquisition over Quade Cooper. "I don't know what's going on in the politics over there, what the relationship is between Robbie and the players and whatever, and I don't want to get involved in that as well," said Gatland. "Whether that's just keeping them on edge or not, but I would be surprised if (Cooper's) not added to the next group."
