Hurt a hell of a lot: Hibbard
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Ospreys hooker Richard Hibbard has spoken of the hurt he endured after copping the blame for Wales having lost the second Test against Australia.
Referee in Melbourne, Chris Pollock, penalised Hibbard twice in the closing stages as the Wallabies went on to take a 2-0 series lead.
Following the match, Hibbard was the only player dropped from the squad that would run out in Sydney in what was a difficult time for the player.
"It was a torrid time," he told WalesOnline.co.uk.
"The management weren't pleased and I found myself out in the cold a bit.
"In the team meeting after the second Test, the squad for the third game was announced and the only player dropped was me.
"That hurt a hell of a lot because no-one wants to be singled out like that.
"It was obvious a few players weren't very happy either.
"I understand that. Everyone is desperate to win, particularly a Test against one of the strongest rugby nations in the world.
"But, while I accept blame for conceding the first penalty, I'm still dubious about the second one for a collapsed maul that saw them land the winning kick.
"I think it was a case of my lovely hair, white boots - blame me."
His turn in fortunes was a dramatic one as Hibbard had arrived after helping the Ospreys claim the PRO12 in an epic final against Leinster which, alongside being on the other side of the world to his family, made taking the blame for the Test defeat hurt that much more.
"I'd been part of an Ospreys side that had won the league and felt I'd been playing well, but all of a sudden it didn't seem to matter much because of one mistake," he said.
"Being that far away, being almost blamed for a series loss - it was tough.
"You're 12,000 miles from home, missing your family and you just want to go home.
"I had to dig in and see out the tour. It's made me a tougher person.
"[But] There is nothing to be gained by dwelling on it.
"What I have to do is play better than I've ever played, so the Wales management will feel I deserve another chance.
"I'm feeling fit. I had a great pre-season, I'm lighter than I have been and I'm in great nick.
"My hunger for the game is massive and I couldn't wait for the season to start. I'd like to think my work-rate is big around the pitch.
"During the course of a long career you are going to have these setbacks.
"It's how you deal with them that matters, whether or not you can get up and prove people wrong.
"I hope nothing is held against me. Everyone wants to pull on the red jersey and I'm no different.
"It means a massive amount to represent Wales."
Comments
melkdave says...
Dont know if he was to blame for the wining penalty in the 2nd test ,it could have ben anyone really,but he does stand with that blond hair.He also isnt to blame for the series lost,alot of welsh players under preformed on that tour M.Ress,A.Jones.S.Warburton,M.Phillips ,R.Priestland to name a few,Wales just looked 20-25% down on their best ,and W.Genia and B.Barnes just happened to have outstanding games in the 1st and 2nd tests respectivly.Australia wherent that good reallly,and where a tad lucky catching Wales in such poor form.
Posted 10:04 21st September 2012
Bones7 says...
Definitely to blame for the loss of that test, obviously not the whole series though. It was one of the worst brain explosions I've seen. Wales were not dominant but in the drivers seat until then and were on for the victory. 2 penalties in the dying seconds the lead was lost and a famous victory on Australian soil was lost. Wales beating Australia away is a big result and he blew it but there's nothing that can be done now. It doesn't mention him being blamed for the series loss anywhere that I can see either.
Posted 22:09 20th September 2012
NHSaints says...
Quite clearly he shouldn't have been blamed for the series loss...as I recall it was 3-0 to Australia not 2-1
Posted 16:08 20th September 2012
Celtictenor says...
He is right - there is absolutely nothing to be gained by dwelling on it; the remedy is with him alone
Posted 14:32 20th September 2012
Nicholas41 says...
Nothing to be gained from dwelling on it? It was months ago. And blaming his hair and boots???
Posted 13:19 20th September 2012
TheTruthHurts says...
Seems a bit harsh to blame 1 bloke for an entire test match loss? If the team did their job properly then he wouldn't be in that situation would he.... c'mon ref's can blow or not blow penalties at any time for any reason, he was just unlucky!
Still happy Aus won the series 3-0 though ;)
Posted 12:20 20th September 2012
steve1036 says...
That second penalty could not have been anymore blatant haha
Posted 11:59 20th September 2012