Warren Gatland opts Hook against Ireland – Six Nations update
James Hook has got the approval from the Welsh coach Warren Gatland to make a comeback in Wales’ Six Nations side as a fly half for the clash against Ireland. Meanwhile Warren Gatland seems on a mission to be chopping his side and making changes.
The 25-year-old pure Welsh talent will be wearing number 10 shirt replacing Stephen Jones, who has been sidelined. James Hook has also appeared as a centre and fullback for Wales in Six Nations. He played alongside Jamie Roberts as a centre against the Italy
in a victorious match. Hook filled in for Jonathan Davies, who was recovering from an injury.
Hook believes that the upcoming clash against Ireland will be a decider for Wales and will conclude the final standing of Wales in RBS Six Nations tournament. Wales will be taking on Ireland this Saturday in Cardiff in a crucial match, which holds equal
significance for both the sides.
Wales need to win this match to keep themselves in the run for title with their slim chances of getting it. On the other hand, Ireland is also in same situation and won’t be letting this opportunity go. Millennium Stadium will once again be witnessing a
must-win situation in this tournament for both sides.
Hook said, “The previous two victories were good for us, but this is perhaps the match we will be judged on. It's a huge test, and we need to succeed. It is as straightforward as that.”
Hook believes that losing the match will result this Six Nations to be a poor one for Wales and will demoralize the team for the upcoming World Cup. It is a must-win for Wales, in order to keep their pride and repute intact and it will be overall a positive
note for the Welsh team to move forward with.
Hook added, “There is a great deal of rugby to come from us, I believe we have been playing in disintegration, but we have succeeded the previous two games. At the end of the day, it's the product that counts, and it will be the same in Cardiff.”
James Hook has always been a versatile player and has proved to be efficient in all the positions given to him. His adaptability has helped him so far and made him a need for Wales in big occasions like Six Nations. His current position is no doubt is his
best, where he plays at will and ease.
Hook said, “I am pleased to be back in the number-ten jersey. I am grateful I have got an opportunity to try to put up something again. It's just about getting my hands on the ball.”
He admitted that while playing at fullback or center there is less time with the ball and less options too, but as a fly half, things are other way around. Hook is glad to be back as fly half, where he can force things his way and create a game play in his
traditional Welsh style.
Though, he believes that against Ireland the pressure will be double and he will have to take things smoothly. He said, “There is always pressure, and Ireland will be a totally different challenge to Scotland and Italy, they have so much experience.”
On the other hand, Gatland is pretty content with the inclusion of James Hook and believes that after his superb performance against Scotland, he surely deserved more time with the ball. Stephen Jones is obviously upset, but he understands the need of Wales
at the moment and being a professional, he will take this development in a positive manner.
Gatland said, “We thought James did quite well against Scotland, and it's a fine opening for him to play there again. We want to give him another opportunity at ten.”
Tags: