James Hook has become a swiss army knife

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James Hook is only worthy of a place on the Welsh bench for Saturdays quarter final against Ireland.

And in doing so has become the Swiss Army knife of Welsh rugby.

He's versatile, reliable, he comes with a cutting edge and he drops neatly into the pocket when required. Ironically, some Swiss Army knives actually come with a hook as standard. Yet there is something unfortunate about becoming a Swiss Army knife when you were originally destined to be a Samurai Sword.

When James Hook made his international debut in 2006, he looked set to become Wales' number 1, number 10. He seemed the obvious successor to Stephen Jones, and quenched the nations thirst for a more creative outside half. Yet Hook's varied and competent skill set has seen him play in four positions in five years.

Hook has been shuffled between 10, 12, 13 and 15. And whilst his versatility is still considered a valuable weapon to Wales, it has undoubtedly blunted his career. There are few players in the world who are able to play in such a wide variety of positions at club level, let alone in the test arena, yet being the 'James of all trades' has denied him the opportunity to become the master of one.

And whilst James Hook is still undoubtedly one of Wales's greatest weapons, the young guns are beginning to pose a real threat to his position in the run-on 15.

Rhys Priestland offers a creative, yet stabilising influence at 10. His line kicking is deeper than Hook's and he is less prone to throwing the odd wild intercept pass that plagued Hook's early outings at stand-off.

Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies may not possess Hook's dazzling footwork, hypnotic dummies or dexterous passing, but their ability to crash the line and not concede a single clean line break during the first three games of the Rugby World Cup has been very impressive. Jamie Roberts in particular has been sensational and is fast becoming the darling of the New Zealand press.

Leigh Halfpenny's return to the Welsh squad has been emphatic. Hook and the 'Full Shilling' may be equals underneath the high ball, but Halfpenny's pace allows Wales to counter attack in situations where Hook's lack of top end speed forces him to kick or wait for support.

Sadly, Hook is the Swiss Army knife of Welsh rugby, because as yesterdays team selection has shown, he hasn't hasnt quite made the cut.

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http://www.comeonwales.co.uk/paul_williams/

I agree that today that Priestland had a couple of dodgy up and unders and the odd stray kick.

In general his tactical kicking, both in the air and along the ground, has been very good during this tournament. O' Gara had a shocker with his line kicking today, but based on one performance you wouldnt say his kicking was poor, it has been superb over his career.

Thanks

Paul

Hook should refuse to play anywhere else but 10 by 2015 he will be 30 and could be the final piece in what looks like an immense Welsh team for the next few years.