Gatland reverts to type for All Blacks visit
Tuesday, 18 Nov 2008 13:47
James Hook will miss out on Wales' starting XV to face All Blacks
Wales are set to field the same XV that started the first autumn international against South Africa when they take on New Zealand this Saturday.
After making 12 changes to the side that cruised past Canada last Friday, head coach Warren Gatland has gone back to the lineup that lost 15-20 to the world champions.
Captain Ryan Jones is again named at blindside flanker, rather than his favoured number eight spot, which is taken by in-form Andy Powell who earns his third consecutive cap.
Leigh Halfpenny keeps his place on the wing ahead of the fit-again Mark Jones, who is on the bench, with Lee Byrne and Shane Williams making up a strong back three.
However, the news on fly-half James Hook looks less promising.
The Ospreys star will miss out on the starting XV due to a knee injury sustained against Canada and will be subject to a late fitness test to see if he can take his place among the replacements.
If Hook cannot play on Saturday, his number 21 shirt will be taken by Dan Biggar.
Gatland said Hook "has shown signs of improvement" over the last few days and said the coaches would take a closer look at him in training later this week.
On the bench the head coach has made three other changes from the squad that faced South Africa, with Cardiff Blues prop John Yapp rewarded for his man-of-the-match performance against the North Americans.
Newport-Gwent Dragons second row Luke Charteris is also selected on form alongside Ospreys centre Andrew Bishop.
"The coaches, the fans, the players and everyone involved in the game in Wales knows exactly how big a game this is for us," said Gatland.
"The All Blacks are the team to beat in the world game, they are the yardstick by which every nation measures themselves and we are no different, but we are relishing the opportunity presented to us.
"I've often said that it is only by playing the best teams in the world that we can improve ourselves and we have a chance to show some big improvements on Saturday."
Full Wales team to face New Zealand on Saturday:Lee Byrne, Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Alun-Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones (captain), Martyn Williams, Andy Powell.
Replacements: Richard Hibbard, John Yapp, Luke Charteris, Dafydd Jones, Dwayne Peel, James Hook/Dan Biggar, Andrew Bishop.