Warren Gatland has managed to find a place for the mercurial James Hook by handing the Ospreys man the number 15 shirt for Wales' opening game of this year's Six Nations. The head coach has admitted it was a case of "finding a spot" for Hook and that it had taken plenty of discussion amongst the management over where to play the talented 25-year-old.
The decision to play Hook at full-back mean that Lee Bryne will have to settle for a place on the bench despite returning to fitness, while Steve Jones will continue at fly-half with Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies pairing up in the centres. Hook has played at 15 before when Bryne has been injured but he'll surely be eyeing the number 10 jersey and Jones will have to be at the top of his game from the opening match of the tournament. Anyone looking to place a rugby bet on Wales will know that Hook's performance could be key to the side's chances.
Hook's ability to orchestrate play makes him a dangerous fly-half for opposition defences to have to handle but Gatland has gone for Jones' reliability to start the tournament but he will be aware of the threat for his position.
Gatland has made it known Bryne's omission is down in part to his lack of recent game time and the Lions full-back could return for the Scotland game on the 12th with Hook reverting to 10. Wherever he plays, Hook will be able to influence a game and he'll be a key player for Wales as they look to bounce back from their disappointing season so far.
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