James Hook gets the nod for France clash

Mar 11 2008 Gareth Griffiths, South Wales Echo

JAMES Hook has been dramatically called up to replace Stephen Jones as Wales attempt to seal the Grand Slam at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

The young Ospreys No 10 is one of two changes Warren Gatland has made to the Triple Crown-winning side for the Six Nations decider against France.

Ospreys hooker Huw Bennett is also restored to the side ahead of Matthew Rees after recovering from illness.

"We have afforded ourselves the luxury of bringing in James Hook for the different qualities he will offer in this match," said Gatland.

"Stephen Jones will offer us the benefit of his vast experience from the bench and he is one of a number of players who can come on and change the game for us if necessary.

"Huw Bennett comes in for Matthew Rees, but, as I’ve said previously, there are marginal selection decisions to make all over the field and hooker is the perfect example of one of them."

Ospreys lock Ian Gough will lead the team out, winning his 50th cap, while Blues prop Gethin Jenkins will equal former hooker Garin Jenkins’ record of 58 appearances in Welsh colours for a front-row forward.

Wales will be attempting a 10th Grand Slam in their history just a day after the 100th anniversary of their first in 1908. but will be wary of France have won on their last six visits to the Millennium Stadium.

Les Bleus need to defeat Wales by at least 19 points to deny them the title.

Wales team to play France
Lee Byrne; Mark Jones, Tom Shanklin, Gavin Henson, Shane Williams; James Hook, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Ian Gough, Alun-Wyn Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (Captain)

Replacements: Matthew Rees, Duncan Jones, Ian Evans, Gareth Delve, Dwayne Peel, Stephen Jones, Sonny Parker

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