Wales v Fiji: Gareth Thomas backs James Hook for Wales spot
- Published
Autumn internationals: Wales v Fiji |
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Venue: Millennium Stadium Date: Saturday, 15 November Kick-off: 14:30 GMT |
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One, BBC One HD, online, mobiles and BBC Sport app from 14:00 GMT; live commentary on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru & online; updates on BBC Radio 5 live; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles. |
Former captain Gareth Thomas believes Wales need a player such as James Hook to improve their attacking instincts.
The 76-times capped Gloucester fly-half has been recalled into the squad for the November Tests amid Dan Biggar's groin injury concerns.
"I think we need more of a playmaker," Thomas told Scrum V.
Dual code international Thomas says centres Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams should face Fiji on Saturday, if fit.
"These two guys should play. We need someone to break up this structure that we all know what's happening," he continued.
"I like somebody who goes in there and you don't know [what he's going to do], a Matthew Morgan type.
"It's a shame he's injured because I like to watch somebody that can play within the structure, when he sees something, it's instinctive and he'll go for it.
Wales coach Warren Gatland and his fellow coaches were limited in their options by injuries.
Cardiff Blues' Rhys Patchell (hamstring) and Bristol's former Ospreys fly-half Matthew Morgan (broken ankle) were ruled out of immediate contention.
Gatland also said after Wales' defeat by Australia on Saturday that new Blues stand-off Gareth Anscombe would not be considered following his arrival in Wales the day after the loss to the Wallabies.
Former England centre Jeremy Guscott says Hook's attacking instincts may be hard for team-mates to capitalise upon.
Guscott said: "I think the difficulty in the modern-day game is having someone who is instinctive.
"It's difficult to fit them into a structured, organised team.
"James needs to fit into the style that Wales play, which I don't think is difficult because they keep going the same way.
"He's certainly a talented kid. He plays the game extremely well. He's got a great rugby brain. It's a shame he's not being used."
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