Wales coach Warren Gatland has recalled fly-half James Hook and hooker Huw Bennett for the Six Nations decider against France in Cardiff on Saturday.

In two changes from the side that overcame Ireland 16-12 on Saturday, Gatland has selected Hook (pictured) instead of Stephen Jones with Bennett returning from illness to replace Matthew Rees.

"Just like every game, we have looked at the number 10 situation," Gatland told reporters on Tuesday.

"We've gone for a more attacking option in James who will be more of a threat to France. That obviously is no consolation to Stephen who is absolutely gutted and disappointed.

"I really felt for him and telling a player he is out of the team is always a hugely difficult part of the job of any coach.

"However, he still has the experience and maturity should we need to change the game or close it out in the final minutes."

Both Jones and Rees will be among the replacements for the match which could clinch a second Grand Slam for unbeaten Wales in four championships, having completed the Triple Crown with victory in Ireland.

Wales will lift the title if they manage to avoid a 20-point defeat to France, but Gatland wants to see his side wrap it up in style.

"It will be nice if we can take the championship, but we'd like to be doing it with a win over France," he said. "To win on points difference would be something of a hollow victory.

"We have already achieved something in this campaign that can't be taken away from us, but we have an opportunity now to push on and do something a little bit special in front of our home crowd and to put some more smiles on Welsh faces."

Wales are looking for a 10th Grand Slam in their history but France have enjoyed their recent visits to the Welsh capital, winning their last five matches against Wales as well as a World Cup quarter-final over New Zealand last year.

"We have a poor record against France at the Millennium Stadium and they have consistently been the best side in the Six Nations," added Gatland.

"Their experiments with team selection look over and they have picked a very experienced squad with huge talent and physicality that they believe can beat us by 20 points."

Wales: 15-Lee Byrne; 14-Mark Jones, 13-Tom Shanklin, 12-Gavin Henson, 11-Shane Williams; 10-James Hook, 9-Mike Phillips; 1-Gethin Jenkins, 2-Huw Bennett, 3-Adam Jones, 4-Ian Gough, 5-Alun-Wyn Jones, 6-Jonathan Thomas, 7-Martyn Williams, 8-Ryan Jones (capt).

Replacements: Matthew Rees, Duncan Jones, Ian Evans, Gareth Delve, Dwayne Peel, Stephen Jones, Sonny Parker.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport