 Hook will be making his first start at outside-half for Wales |
New Wales sensation James Hook is in confident mood ahead of his first start in the national side's number 10 shirt. "I feel I've developed throughout the autumn matches with Wales," said Hook, fly-half for Friday's Test with Canada.
"Being around so many internationals and Lions has made me more confident than I was before the Australia game.
"But I think I've kept my feet on the ground. I don't mind if I'm playing 10 or 12, I'm just trying to put my hand up for selection against New Zealand."
Hook, 21, won his first Wales cap against Argentina on the summer tour, coming off the bench to score a try.
 | I have to be realistic, if Stephen is fit he will play against New Zealand |
Amidst an immediate media frenzy - the youngster being compared to Barry John and Stephen Larkham - he began the second Test at inside centre, despite never having started a regional game.
Having moved up to the Ospreys squad from Neath in the summer, he has vied with Gavin Henson, Shaun Connor and Andrew Bishop for a starting place in the west Glamorgan side, alternating between 10 and 12.
But he fired back into the public imagination after replacing injured Wales captain Stephen Jones early in the game against Australia, coming on at outside-half and inspiring a Wales fightback in the 29-29 draw.
The Baglan man was back at inside centre against the Pacific Islanders with Ceri Sweeney at 10, but with Jones still injured he takes the outside-half jersey against Canada.
| People say I'm competing with Gavin Henson for a place, but that's up to the coaches |
"Stephen's are very big boots to fill, but most of the rugby in my career has been played at 10 and I'm more than happy there," Hook told BBC Sport Wales.
"I have to be realistic, if Stephen is fit he will play against New Zealand - he's our captain and a world-class player.
"People say that I will then be competing with Gavin [Henson] for a place at 12 against the All Blacks, but that's up to the coaches.
"There are also a lot of world-class players in the squad who are not playing on Friday, so we don't know what will happen next week.
"You could say that Canada is a practice run for New Zealand, but we know that they are a very physical side. Hopefully they won't be as structured as us."
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