Hook delays shoulder surgery to face Springboks

JAMES HOOK is ready to face South Africa’s renowned physical approach on Saturday by playing through the pain barrier for Wales. Ospreys midfield star Hook will delay shoulder surgery by a week as Wales target only a second win in 104 years of fixtures against the reigning world champions.

But while Hook prepares for his final game probably until late September, Wales have lost the services of their record try-scorer Shane Williams.

Hook’s Ospreys colleague also has shoulder trouble and he will miss the Springboks clash, together with Wales’ Tests against New Zealand in Dunedin and Hamilton later this month.