Is James Hook Still An Option For Wales

The biggest cheer of the day, when Wales played Scotland in the Six Nations this March, was not for a try, but instead for the appearance of one of Wales’ favourite sons. As James Hook ran out onto the Millennium Stadium turf there was a sense of frustration in the crowd that they had not seen more of the outside-half.

 With minimal game time since the 2011 World Cup, will the new Gloucester signing even make the 2015 edition? After all, Warren Gatland has been very keen to get Gareth Anscombe on board, a player who covers outside-half and full-back. This has been James Hook’s role in the squad for the last few years. His incredible talent across several positions has prevented him getting more game time in the red of Wales.

   In the pre-season game against Yorkshire Carnegie, Hook came off the bench to score two tries and gave a performance we know he is capable of. If Gatland was watching he cannot fail to have been impressed. However, Hook is no longer seen by Gatland as a starting 10. Instead he sees it as a straight shoot-out between Rhys Priestland and Dan Biggar.

   James Hook is a more talented player, but is not as ‘safe’ an option. The reason is because Hook tries things that other players can’t even see, never mind try. Australia came to Wales recently and Quade Cooper wreaked havoc in the Welsh defence. People then asked why Wales don’t have players like Cooper, we do, but James Hook was once again not selected that day.

   Ewen McKenzie backed Quade Cooper at the Reds and has since brought him back into the Wallabies set-up. Cooper oozed confidence that day and showed his full repertoire of skills. Hook could do that once again for Wales, if he was backed in the same way. If Gatland allowed Hook to go out and play his game and align the team around him Wales could improve beyond the predictable game plan they currently possess.

   I believe that Hook will be given that licence at Gloucester and will remind people what a good player he is. Down in Perpignan he was very much out of sight, out of mind. Just over the border in Gloucester he will be very much in peoples mind as they will see him in the Aviva Premiership and Anglo-Welsh Cup.

   Hook can still do a job for Wales and expect the call to get louder as the season goes on. Gloucester have promised the ex-Osprey that he will be the number one outside-half. This consistency in selection will help Hook get back to his best form, even with Perpignan he was moved regularly.

   I would not be surprised if the two best Welsh outside-halves over the next season are both playing in England; young Owen Williams at Leicester and James Hook at Gloucester.