Hook at 10 as Wales look to redress dismal home record

JAMES HOOK has regained the famous Welsh Number 10 jersey as Wales look to clinch just their second Championship home win over Ireland in 28 years.

The mercurial play-maker has lined up at full-back, fly-half and centre in Wales’ first three Six Nations encounters against England, Scotland and Italy respectively.

He shone at 10 during Wales’ victory at Murrayfield but was moved to the centre against Italy after Jon Davies picked up a hamstring strain.

But Davies has recovered to reform his midfield partnership with Jamie Roberts allowing Hook to return to his favoured position at the expense of veteran Stephen Jones.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland said: “Hook did well at 10 against Scotland and it’s another chance for him.

“Stephen’s understandably disappointed but has trained exceptionally well. He’s the ultimate professional and has been extremely positive about the squad and James playing.

“But we just wanted to give Hook another opportunity.”

Wales have only triumphed over Ireland once since 1983, the 32-20 Grand Slam victory in 2005. But Gatland insists it is not something that plays on his mind. “The home record’s not something we’ve spoken about and having experienced it on the other side it’s not something Ireland will focus on,” he said.

But there will be plenty riding on the Millennium Stadium clash with both sides fighting for the Championship and Ireland chasing the Triple Crown.

Hook reckons the game will define the Dragons’ Championship campaign.

“This game’s hugely important for us in the context of the Six Nations.

“The last two wins have been great but we will be judged on this one. It’s a massive game that we need to win. If we lose it will probably be judged as a poor Championship.

“It’s a great chance for me being back at fly-half to try to build something. I just like getting hands on the ball and playing rugby.

“In other positions you don’t get the ball as much, so you do try to force it. I’ve improved as a communicator, it’s just experience for me, getting to know the boys and growing in confidence.”

Elsewhere Leigh Halfpenny returns to the starting XV. The British & Irish Lions player missed the opening Championship clashes before returning to the bench against the Azzurri.

And Gatland reckons Halfpenny’s siege-gun boot could be key to Wales securing victory if Ireland continue to fall foul of the law.

Gatland added: “Andy Robinson made a big deal out of Ireland’s penalty count at the breakdown following their game. But Jonathan Kaplan is a world class referee and hopefully he will allow us the opportunity to get quick ball.

“But Leigh does gives us that kicking option up to 60-metres which we missed in the first three games.

“It’s a crucial game to us and a win will keep us in the Championship mix with everything still to play for.”