Concerns over Hook

Wales playmaker James Hook will undergo tests on a worrying shoulder injury that forced him off the field during Saturday's Magners League semi-final.

Hook's Ospreys career came to unpleasant end when he was unable to finish the first half of the 18-11 defeat to Munster.

The Perpignan-bound fly-half has a history of shoulder problems and was sidelined for five months last year after needing an operation to repair damage to his left shoulder.

The 25-year-old was confident the injury was not too serious, but Ospreys Head Hoach Scott Johnson was less optimistic and voiced his fears over Hook's availability for Wales.

"I'm not sure about James," Johnson toldWales on Sunday.

"He thought it was a 'stinger' but I'm not so confident.

"Knowing James, for him to go down and come off the pitch is unusual. It might be a bit more than he is saying, but let's hope, for his and Wales' sake, that's not the case."

Hook is set to miss to Wales' match with the Barbarians on June 4 as he is getting married the same day but, if fit, is sure to be vital member of Warren Gatland's World Cup team.

Gatland will be anxious to hear news of the injury as Hook would be expected to start in Wales' World Cup warm-up games against England on August 6 and 13, and Argentina on August 20.


source and link - http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_6935230,00.html


So is this a big blow for Wales? Would we miss him if he doesnt make it back in time for the England and Argentina games?

yes it is a big blow and yes we would miss him. Wales have half decent backs but we don't have too many players who are able to play what's in front of them and spark something. If Hook is out it virtually guarantees Henson a place

I'm not sure.
If he was guaranteed his place, then yes, but with Henson on the horizon he's not a certain starter.
James Hook is a talented player but in the goldfish bowl that is forever Welsh rugby, I'm of the opinion that his talents are a little exagerrated. Would Richie McCaw play anywhere but at openside?
If Hook can nail down on position in a team then we will be able to truly judge his worth.

<<on>> should be "one"

Not wanting to sound disrespectful, but Hok has not played this heads up adventurous rugby that people harp on about this season, not in the centre, fullback or at fly half.

I don't realistically see him being out being too much of a concern for Gatland, more as a relief, as that will be his excuse for poor performances sorted

Hook's form has been poor this season.

There are many possible reasons for this, for example: the conflict of moving club or opposition defences "working him out".

On a slight tangent but I'm not sure Gatland's game plan really suits him.

Hopefully he will be fit for the World Cup, and hit form on the world's greatest stage!