Hook's new role excites Howley
Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:53
Directing traffic: Wales coach Rob Howley.
Wales will hope to solve the conundrum of where to play James Hook when the talented back starts at outside centre against England in their Six Nations opener at Twickenham on Saturday.
Hook has been deployed in several positions behind the scrum during a 37-cap Test career that started in 2006 but Wales coach Warren Gatland has long wanted to pair the ball-player alongside the hard-running Jamie Roberts in midfield.
Now he has got his wish, with Lee Byrne's successful appeal against a two-week ban for briefly appearing as an illegal 16th man during the Ospreys' European Cup meaning Hook no longer has to deputise at full-back as was the case in November when his teammate was injured.
Hook has also played at flyhalf and inside centre for Wales and attack coach Rob Howley said on Wednesday: "James has the skill-set to play in a variety of positions.
"You sometimes feel like you just have to find a role for him, but we think we may have found his position," the former Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half added.
"We tried Jamie at outside centre in the autumn mainly due to injury problems elsewhere in the squad, but he is back in his preferred position (12) and we are excited about seeing James in this new international role as well.
"Over the last 10 days or so we have run with two different teams with both Lee and James Hook taking a turn at fullback, but you have to respect the professionalism of both players and indeed of the whole squad.
"We have not let the doubt over Lee's availability disrupt things, but it was always going to be a boost to be able to name the first-choice Lions fullback in the side.
"There are obvious repercussions throughout the back-line too, as we have been able to select James Hook in partnership with Jamie Roberts."
After watching the team's defeat by Australia in November, legendary Wales flyhalf Barry John was in no doubt that Hook should be moved from fullback, saying it was imperative Gatland got him "closer to the action where he can become involved again in some of the key decision-making".
AFP
Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Advertising
