Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions

The British Lion starts at centre for Wales’ opening RBS Six Nations tie at Twickenham, and England’s HQ has proved happy hunting for the Osprey, who scored 22 points in the Cardiff victory in 2007 before adding another 14 points a year later in London.

Now he is targetting a solo treble by guiding Wales to a winning start to the new campaign. He said: “I’ve had two starts against England, two wins and two man of the matches, so I’d love to make it three.

“Wales against England is a massive game, everyone at home switches on to watch it, even people who don’t like rugby.
Growing up in Wales, this is the game you really want to win.

“We don’t have any ghosts at Twickenham. It’s still a tough place to play but we’re going there full of confidence. England don’t hold any fear for us because we know we have the ability to beat them.

“Two years ago we were played off the park in the first half but the way we came back in the second half was brilliant.”

Hook was on stand-by to play at full-back if Lee Byrne lost his appeal against a two-match ban but instead is free to line up alongside fellow British Lion Jamie Roberts in an exciting new midfield partnership.

Hook said: “There’s a good mix between us, his strength opens up space for guys like me. Hopefully a good performance will help nail down a position, but it’s not like the door is shut. Warren still wants me in the team and I haven’t given up on playing No10 some time in the future.

“It’s tricky training in two different positions in the same week. It was disruptive but we were always hopefull that Lee would come through his appeal. In the end I just have to let my rugby ability take over, knuckle down and get on with it.”