James Hook filling in for Jonathan Davies – Six Nations Wales
Warren Gatland, the Welsh manager has been left with no option but to pull James Hook from his preferred position to fly half. Absence of Jonathan Davies has already caused a lot damage and disturbance in the squad and with only one Six Nations game left
without his presence, Gatland had to make this decision.
Davies blow has resulted into Hook’s 50th cap for Wales as a fly half. The 25 year old will be playing alongside Stephen Jones, who will win his 98th cap and midfielder Jamie Roberts.
Hook started Six Nations by playing as a fullback in the opening clash against England, which Wales lost. He switched his position to number 10 in the next match against Scotland, which Wales won confidently at Murrayfield.
Meanwhile, Davies hasn’t been able to recover from hamstring injury and in absence of Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin and Gavin Henson; Hook was the only justified and reliable option for crucial fly-half position.
Gatland said, “We have selected the strongest possible side, showing the utmost respect to Italy.”
Gatland knows the strengths of Italy and its quality of playing in toughest situations and coming back in the game. Talking about Italy Gatland added, “We know only too well what dangerous rivals they are in Rome and so we have selected the sturdiest squad
available to us.”
Other than the return of Jones and absence of Davies, Warren Gatland has kept his faith in the previous squad and believes that his selected players are a perfect combination to win at Rome and give Italy a tough time.
Leigh Halfpenny has also returned to the squad and will be benched for replacements. He just recovered from a hamstring injury and will be looking forward to give in his best when called on field, just like he did in 20-15 victory in 2009.
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