Gatland gives Hook nod ahead of ‘gutted’ Jones for Cardiff title decider

JAMES HOOK has been given the responsibility of guiding Wales to Grand Slam glory after reclaiming the fly-half jersey for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations showdown with France in Cardiff.

Head coach Warren Gatland described the decision to select Hook ahead of the more experienced, steadying hand of Stephen Jones as one of the toughest of his career.

“We have an historic opportunity and we intend to grasp it with both hands,” said Gatland.

“Just like every game, we have looked at the 10 situation and who would do the best job for the game. We have afforded ourselves the luxury of bringing in James Hook.

“We have spoken to the players and we feel that, against France, James gives us slightly more attacking options.

“It is no consolation to Stephen but coming off the bench he gives us that maturity and experience in being able to change a game if we need to, or close it down.

“We have used both players in every game except England and I see that happening again on Saturday.”

“Stephen Jones is absolutely gutted and I really felt for him. It was an agonising decision to make. As a coach, you get no pleasure telling a player he has been dropped.”

The only other change from the 16-12 win at Croke Park was the return of hooker Huw Bennett, who missed out in Ireland after catching the ‘flu.

France coach Marc Lievremont believes the freshness of his recalled big guns could be the decisive factor against Wales.

The likes of Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, David Skrela, Cedric Heymans and Thierry Dusautoir return to the Les Bleus fold.

“We have to be together. But we will have to be fresh for Saturday. And certain players who were rested for Italy will be fresh physically and will have the motivation.”

France are to name their team today

WALES (v France): L Byrne (Ospreys); M Jones (Scarlets), T Shanklin (Blues), G Henson (Ospreys), S Williams (Ospreys); J Hook (Ospreys), M Phillips (Ospreys); G Jenkins (Blues), H Bennett (Ospreys), A Jones (Ospreys), I Gough (Ospreys), AW Jones (Ospreys), J Thomas (Ospreys), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Jones (Ospreys, capt).

Replacements: M Rees (Scarlets), D Jones (Ospreys), I Evans (Ospreys), G Delve (Gloucester), D Peel (Scarlets), S Jones (Scarlets), S Parker (Ospreys).