Wales pick Hook at centre as injury strikes Rees
Wales back James Hook (left) plays at outside centre for the first time in a Wales shirt but Matthew Rees (right) is out with a groin injury
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Wednesday, 03, Feb 2010 04:28
By Alistair Potter.
Versatile Welsh back James Hook has been named at outside centre for the opening match of the Six Nations against England - a game that hooker Matthew Rees will miss because of injury.
Head coach Warren Gatland has been forced to pick hooker Gareth Williams for only his third start in a Wales jersey after first choice front-row Rees was ruled out with a groin problem.
"Gareth Williams has been in great form for his region and produced some impressive performances in recent weeks and very much deserves his chance," said Gatland.
"We are obviously disappointed for Matthew but he returned to us with a sore groin after playing at the weekend and he has not responded as quickly as we would have like to treatment which has ruled him out of this weekend."
Blues scrum-half Gareth Cooper is named alongside experienced number ten Stephen Jones in the half-backs, with uncapped number nine Richie Rees
Among the replacements while Jamie Roberts is moved to his preferred position of inside centre to accommodate Hook.
Despite the changes throughout the team, some areas still have a familiar ring to them.
The back row of the scrum is consistent with the final autumn international as Blues pair Andy Powell and Martyn Williams start at flanker either side of number eight and captain Ryan Jones.
The second row features Dragons lock Luke Charteris alongside Ospreys and British and Irish Lions star Alun-Wyn Jones.
Lee Byrne is picked at full-back after overturning his two-week ban, and the wings are named as the experienced Shane Williams and Blues speedster Tom James.
Attack coach Rob Howley admitted the uncertainty over Byrne had caused some issues in training, but he said he is pleased with the final outcome.
"Over the last ten days or so we have run with two different teams with both Lee and James Hook taking a turn at full-back, but you have to respect the professionalism of both players and indeed of the whole squad," he said.
"We have not let the doubt over Lee's availability disrupt things, but it was always going to be a boost to be able to name the first choice Lions full-back in the side.
"There are obvious repercussions throughout the backline too as we have been able to select James Hook at centre in partnership with Jamie Roberts.
"James has the skill set to play in a variety of positions and you sometimes feel like you just have to find a role for him, but we think we may have found his position."
Full Wales squad to face England at Twickenham:
Lee Byrne; Tom James, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Adam Jones, Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (captain)
Replacements: Huw Bennett, Paul James, Bradley Davies, Jonathan Thomas, Richie Rees, Andrew Bishop, Leigh Halfpenny