Hook remembers bar stool days
James Hook is relishing the prospect of playing a part in a Grand Slam decider, having watched the last one from the comfort of a Cardiff bar stool.
James Hook is relishing the prospect of playing a part in a Grand Slam decider, having watched the last one from the comfort of a Cardiff bar stool.
Hook, who at the time was still a semi-professional with Neath, celebrated that triumph over Ireland with 300,000 other “mad Taffs” who had flooded into the capital.
But just three years on, Hook could be the focus of all that adulation after being chosen ahead of Stephen Jones to spearhead Wales' Grand Slam challenge against France.
“It's a bit different to be involved in the team this time around. It's brilliant and I'm really looking forward to it. This is why you play rugby, for games like this,” said Hook.
“When Wales won the Grand Slam in 2005 I was having a drink in Cardiff somewhere with thousands of other Welsh fans.
“Like everyone else, I couldn't get a ticket but it was still great to see Wales winning the Grand Slam.”
Hook started Wales' first two wins of this year's Six Nations, against England and Scotland, before being replaced by Jones for the victories over Italy and Ireland.
But head coach Warren Gatland believes the 22-year-old's attacking qualities will be better suited to picking apart the French.
“I am really pleased. I've been vying with Stephen all season and I'm delighted that I've got the nod,” said Hook, who will win his 25th cap.
“I was a bit surprised because Stephen has been playing very well throughout the championship. Either one of us could have had the nod. I'm just delighted it was me.
“I didn't know who was going to be picked to be honest. I'm just pleased to have the start and I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait.
“We need one more win for the Grand Slam, so it's a really exciting time.”
Reigning Six Nations champions France must win by at least 20 points to snatch the title – and Hook believes that could end up helping Wales.
“France have got to come down and win by 20 points to take the championship so they are going to have to take chances and take risks,” he said.
“Hopefully, that will fall into our favour. They are going to be throwing it about a bit, so it's going to be an open game which will hopefully suit us.
“France have quality all over the park, so you never know what they are going to do from one day to the next. We need to stop their key individuals at source. I'm sure the boys are more than capable of doing that.
“We will just try to play the way we have done all championship. It's worked for us so far and hopefully it can work for us again.
“We have put in some excellent performances. We will just concentrate on playing our own game, keep going the way we have and, fingers crossed, we'll do it.”