Wales coach Gatland chooses Jones over Hook

Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland opted for experienced flyhalf Stephen Jones ahead of James Hook when he announced his team to take on world champions South Africa in Saturday’s Test match at Bloemfontein.

Gatland named his squad four days ahead of plans, saying he wanted to give the team the best possible chance of a good showing against the Springboks on their home turf.

“We know the size of the challenge we face because we are playing the world champions on their home turf where Wales have never won,” he told a media conference.

Jones made his Test debut against South Africa in 1998 when Wales lost by a record 96-13, and was recalled ahead of Hook who played in Wales’ Grand Slam-winning team which defeated France in March.

Gatland has retained his tight five, with a front row of Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees and Adam Jones, and locks Ian Gough and Alun-Wyn Jones.

He has opted for pace off the flanks with Dafydd Jones and Jonathan Thomas in an attempt to counter the Springboks in an area where they are expected to be strong despite the absence due to injury of Schalk Burger. South Africa will name their team Thursday.

Gatland is anticipating a strong performance from his team, but stopped short of expecting victory: “This is an important tour for this squad and we are determined to leave South Africa having earned the respect of the Springboks,” he said.

WALES: Jamie Roberts; Mark Jones, Tom Shanklin, Sonny Parker, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Ryan Jones (captain), Dafydd Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Ian Gough, Alun-Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones. Reserves: Duncan Jones, Richard Hibbard, Ian Evans, Gareth Delve, Warren Fury, James Hook, Morgan Stoddart.

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