Hook: End Drico – D’Arcy partnership

Rugby pundit George Hook has called on Joe Schmidt to end Gordon D’Arcy and Brian O’Driscoll’s dominance of Leinster’s centre positions.

Hook believes the Irish team is in the midst of massive changes at the moment and that Leinster will have a tough season ahead.

“We are going to see the end of a lot of partnerships in Leinster and Irish rugby,” he said.

“D’Arcy and O’Driscoll is likely to end this season, but we are going to see it right the way through as the second row start to feel their age.

“I would look at Leinster in transition. Leinster now should be making the change. Munster waited too late and had to make a lot of changes. I wouldn’t pick D’Arcy, no. I think McFadden, particularly against Munster, has shown that he looks the part.”

Hook also believes Ronan O’Gara is facing the biggest test of his career, with Ian Keatley threatening to steal his jersey in Munster.

“The real question is – the early part of the season has not been kind to O’Gara… if O’Gara is substituted in Paris then I would be worried.”

And for once his colleague Brent Pope agrees.

“That is a really tough one. Ronan as been one of ‘the’ servants of Munster and Irish rugby. Having said that, does he fit into Rob Penney’s expansive ways of playing?

“It’s going to be difficult. Keatley came on last week and I think he is having a great season, both as a goal kicker and running the back line.”

The New Zealander also thinks Connacht will be the surprise package in this year’s Heineken Cup.

“They will always do something special. It’s going to be tough enough but they have that great win against Harlequins last year and that great win against Leinster recently, that will give them confidence to go with.

“At home a very tough team to beat, away, that is their problem area. I see them being really competitive in the group stages; I don’t know if they will get out of that group but let’s hope for a couple of great Connacht wins this season. I think they will pick up a couple of home wins.”

Meanwhile, RTÉ secured the Irish television rights to the Six Nations until 2017.

“This is good news for Irish sports fans and means that all 15 matches will continue to be free-to-air for Irish audiences over the next five years,” said Ryle Nugent, Group Head of Sport in RTÉ.

“We have always enjoyed a successful relationship with John Feehan and the Six Nations Committee and are very pleased to be continuing our partnership up to and including the tournament in 2017.”

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