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Rugby Union

Hook named at full-back as Wales ring changes

12/06/2008

Fly-half James Hook has been named as the starting full-back for Wales' second Test against South Africa in Pretoria.

The Ospreys star will be starting his first international game wearing the number 15 shirt in what is one of three positional changes to the lineup that suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test last weekend.

"We know what James Hook can do and we believe we need him on the pitch from the start as he is too good a footballer not to be used," Wales head coach Warren Gatland explained.

"He has gone well at full-back in training during some pretty intense sessions and he will be able to play a big part in the game from 15."

Hook ousts Jamie Roberts from full-back, with the Cardiff Blues player switching to inside centre in place of Sonny Parker to provide a more imposing physical presence in midfield.

In the front row, Ospreys hooker Richard Hibbard replaces injured Matthew Rees with Newport Gwent Dragons' Rhys Thomas coming in at tighthead prop instead of Adam Jones.

The back row shows three changes from the 43-17 loss, with captain Ryan Jones moving from number eight to number six to allow Gloucester's Gareth Delve to come in at the base of the scrum. Jonathan Thomas replaces openside flanker Dafydd Jones, who drops to the bench.

Gatland said his changed team selection "accurately reflects all the hard work in training" after admitting his team "were left wanting in the first Test".

"All three back row forwards we have chosen have vast experience in the positions they will play on Saturday and we believe it will give us a physical combination capable of improving our performance at the breakdown where we need to improve," he commented.

"Some of the combinations in this selection are new but we are very well aware of the capabilities of the boys we have chosen and we know what options they offer us.

"This week we have had to build from the disappointment of a bad defeat but our preparation over the last few days has been great and confidence is building again.

"We want to win the respect of our opponents and I am confident we have picked a side capable of earning that respect if they play to their full potential."

Full Wales lineup to face South Africa on June 14th:

15- James Hook
14- Mark Jones
13- Tom Shanklin
12- Jamie Roberts
11- Shane Williams
10- Stephen Jones
9- Gareth Cooper;
1- Gethin Jenkins
2- Richard Hibbard
3- Rhys Thomas
4- Ian Gough
5- Alun-Wyn Jones
6- Ryan Jones (captain)
7- Jonathan Thomas
8- Gareth Delve

Replacements:
16- T Rhys Thomas,
17- Duncan Jones
18- Ian Evans
19- Dafydd Jones
20- Warren Fury
21- Andrew Bishop
22- Tom James