Hook hails positive Wales

Published: Tuesday, 9. August, 2011 in category Northern Hemishere
Hook: Impressed with Wales

The Welsh outscored the hosts 3-2 on tries thanks to a George North double and his fellow wing Shane Williams' 54th Test touchdown, but this could not prevent them losing 23-19.

Hook is likely to be among a raft of changes in Wales coach Warren Gatland's team for a Millennium Stadium rematch against the reigning RBS 6 Nations champions this weekend having recovered from a shoulder problem.

The Perpignan-bound playmaker, who could start at fly-half, centre or full-back, such is his versatility, was impressed by Wales' attacking style in the opening World Cup warm-up clash.

He said: "I thought the boys expressed themselves well.

"It was nice to see the ball getting out to the wings and George and Shane getting tries.

"If we can build that into our game more and more, hopefully we will be a lot more of an attacking threat.

"From our point of view, if we can keep the ball and go through the phases, we can beat them (England) on Saturday.

"Every team has got to have that structure, but probably the one thing we struggled with in the Six Nations last season - and a bit in the past - is just playing with our heads up.

"We have got fantastic footballers in our team with natural ability, and sometimes it is about picking your head up, looking to see what's in front of you and attacking it, regardless of going outside the structure."

Hook watched the match at Wales' World Cup training base with his fellow squad members not involved in London, and he was also impressed by the impact made by several younger tournament hopefuls.

Hooker Lloyd Burns, scrum-half Tavis Knoyle and centre Scott Williams were among those to shine off the replacements' bench.

Hook added: "It's really important the younger players keep pushing.

"Perhaps maybe in the past, the older boys might have been a bit complacent thinking their places were certain.

"It's definitely not certain now, and I think Warren has shown in the past he is not frightened to put people in, and that will certainly keep pressure on everyone in the squad."