sport

Powered by

Rugby Union News

Hook quite a catch at full-back

Hook quite a catch at full-back

Hook: Enjoying life at 15

James Hook readily admits that full-back is not his preferred position - but he could end the November Test series as one of Wales' most accomplished performers.

The Ospreys star makes a third successive appearance as Wales' last line of defence when they tackle Millennium Stadium visitors Argentina tomorrow.

Although Wales lost to New Zealand, then toiled before beating Samoa 17-13, Hook's contributions in both games as replacement for an injured Lee Byrne were well received.

"I am enjoying it at the moment," said Hook.

"It's been difficult for me and it is taking time, but I am getting used to it.

"I would rather be playing than sitting on the bench, but fly-half is still my preferred position.

"I've got to play where I am picked. I sat on the bench a lot last year - 15 is not my position, but being out there is the main thing.

"I have put a lot of work into training and I am a bit more confident under the high ball. It is not something I fear, and I speak to Lee after every game and he is a help.

"Argentina are going to kick against us on Saturday, but hopefully that will give our back three chances to attack. It's an opportunity we will relish."

Hook was instrumental in Wales making 11 clear line breaks against Samoa, but just one try proved a poor return, and a much sharper clinical edge will be required this weekend.

Argentina have beaten Wales four times in the last six meetings, and if their revered pack can restrict tomorrow's clash to little more than a forward battle, then victory number five beckons.

For Wales, it is simply a case of finishing the chances they create.

"It was a bit disappointing we didn't score a few more points against Samoa, that we didn't finish one or two opportunities we had, but on another day we might have done," added Hook.

"If we can create some opportunities against Argentina, I am sure we will score more and be okay.

"It would be great to get two wins now against Argentina and Australia and put in two good performances. It's going to be really tough, but there is potential in this team."

Wales coach Warren Gatland hands a full home debut to 21-year-old Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies, while four British and Irish Lions - Shane Williams, Stephen Jones, Matthew Rees and Martyn Williams - return after being rested for the Samoa Test.

"We missed a lot of opportunities against Samoa," acknowledged Gatland.

"If we had taken a couple of those, two or three maybe, and didn't give away an intercept try, then the score is 30-odd to six.

"We've been a little bit critical of the fact we didn't take those chances, but the positives were we did create them."