Hook relishing opportunity

Wales have yet to win a game - although they do have cause to feel aggrieved about their three point loss to Italy last weekend - and need to beat England to avoid the wooden spoon.

But Hook believes that confidence in the squad is still high despite the loss of their talismanic captain and their poor run of form.

"I'm confident and so are the team, we want to go out and express ourselves in front of our home fans," Hook told BBC Sport Wales.

"Stephen's loss was huge but it's great to get a chance in a big Test match, ten is probably my position long term.

"We didn't play in the right areas in Italy. We have to play in England's half, be patient and take our points."

Hook was still playing semi-professional rugby a year ago and had not started a game for the Ospreys when he was called into the Wales squad to face Argentina during the summer tour.

But the 21-year-old is philosophical about his dramatic rise to the key role in the side, having played a part in every Wales international since his debut and starting all four of the Six Nations matches this year.

"I just want to avoid the burden of expectation and play my normal game," Hook said.

"It's a huge match regardless of the other results this season. This is Wales v England. There are so many leaders in this Wales side anyway, it's not all about the ten.

"This will be my first experience of playing under Gareth Thomas as a captain. He's like Stephen in that he brings so much to the game, he's very passionate and wants to do well.

"Everything is for the team."