Boks could get Hooked
Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:30
James Hook predicts that if the Welsh pack could provide a good platform in Saturday's second Test in Pretoria, his first game at fullback could yet surprise the confident Springboks.
"It's a new challenge and one I'm looking forward to," Hook cheerily said before admitting he had never played in the position in a top-class game, following a couple of appearances in his semi-pro days at Neath.
Warren Gatland, Wales' head coach, said he wanted to utilise Hook's running ability rather than to keep him on the bench where he started last Saturday before replacing Jones in the second half, reports the Telegraph website.
Hook has been advised on defensive play by Shaun Edwards, the assistant coach, and has called Lee Byrne, the injured first choice fullback, back home in Wales for advice.
"Though Lee told me jokingly not to play 'too well,' he also gave me some advice which is super. At fullback you have a lot more space than at 10 and, obviously, if the ball gets in your hands then you can play a little bit more. If the pack can set a good platform then you could see some running rugby.
"We are all disappointed because we didn't produce the form of the Six Nations last week. If we cut out the errors and don't give the Springboks easy penalties then we could give them a fright," Hook said.
