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.

Uncapped Newport Gwent Dragons prospect Will Harries takes Williams’ place on tour, with the diminutive wing joining Hook, Martyn Williams, Dwayne Peel, Gethin Jenkins and Luke Charteris in sitting out the trip.

Wales, whose only previous win against South Africa came 11 years ago, show three changes from the side that beat RBS 6 Nations opponents Italy last time out.

Cardiff Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny returns instead of Williams, with Tom Prydie switching wings, while Paul James replaces injured prop Jenkins and lock Deiniol Jones is in for Charteris.

Jones’ selection means Ospreys lock Alun-Wyn Jones is on the bench alongside Andy Powell.

South Africa’s plans, meanwhile, look set to be hit by Bath back Butch James being withdrawn. Because the game does not fall in an officially-recognised International Rugby Board Test match window, Premier Rugby – an organisation for England’s top clubs – are likely to rule that James must be withdrawn.