Joe Schmidt lashes back at George Hook over Jared Payne criticism

Joe Schmidt yesterday hit out at "so-called pundit" George Hook after the RTÉ rugby panellist’s criticism of Ireland centre Jared Payne after last Saturday’s defeat by Wales.

Hook described New Zeland-born, Irish qualified Payne as a “second-rate foreign player” in the wake of the 23-16 defeat in Cardiff that ended Ireland’s hopes of a Grand Slam.

Head coach Schmidt’s side still have a chance of retaining their RBS 6 Nations title this weekend in Scotland and having named his side for tomorrow’s trip to Murrayfield he praised the leadership qualities of his backline, including Ulster’s Payne.