Internationals - Jenkins hails versatile Hook

Eurosport - Tue, 03 Nov 16:55:00 2009

James Hook has been backed to make a successful adaptation as Wales' new full-back.

James Hook - Wales - 0

The Ospreys and Lions star (pictured), normally a fly-half or centre, will step in for his injured colleague Lee Byrne when Wales launch their autumn Test campaign against New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday.

"James is just a fantastic rugby player," said Neil Jenkins, Wales' assistant coach and kicking specialist. "He just wants to play for his country, and he is happy to play anywhere in the team. He is looking forward to Saturday's challenge - he is a confident lad."

Jenkins added: "He will have a tough afternoon on Saturday with (fly-half) Dan Carter's kicking game and the way New Zealand play, but we have worked our socks off in that area to bring him up to the pace of it and the understanding of that role.

"James has played a lot of rugby at 10, so he understands the space and what 10s are looking for. I am sure he will be fine.

"He can play anywhere - 10, 12, 13, on the wing. He could probably play scrum-half if we wanted him to, he's that talented.

"He has worked his socks off in training, to be fair to him."

Wales have not beaten New Zealand for 56 years, losing their last 20 Tests against the All Blacks.

But despite Byrne and his fellow Lions Mike Phillips and Adam Jones being sidelined through injury, Wales can still parade 10 players who were involved with Lions business in South Africa this summer.

Eurosport

Comment 1 - 4 of 4

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  1. It's a pity we already have so many injuries before­ the test matches even start, I'm sure Hook and all­ the team will do their best and I wish them all the­ best, will be shouting and singing for them all the­ match. Good luck, you can do it.
    Penny

    From penelope.jones, on Tue 3 Nov 11:05PM

  2. Hes a class player he`l do fine.Still think the all­ black will turn us over

    From alan, on Tue 3 Nov 10:54PM

  3. Hadnt realised Byrne was out which is a big loss to the­ Welsh. Was very suprised by Hooks selection at 15 - i­ agree he is a fantastic player but surely he would­ serve the Welsh cause better in the midfield, pulling­ the strings to let Roberts loose?

    From D R, on Tue 3 Nov 7:59PM

  4. Probably the most naturally gifted rugby player on­ these shores (and pretty much any other shores for that­ matter). I only hope that the versatility his talent­ allows does'nt also mean that he spends his club­ and international career being continually shifted from­ position to position. Who knows, Adam Jones' injury­ might eventually lead to Hooks' first outing as­ prop!!! On a serious mnote though i have no doubt he­ will do a sterling job in Lee Byrnes abscence.

    From Lee R, on Tue 3 Nov 7:37PM
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