Rugby Union: Neil Jenkins convinced James Hook will become become best number 10 on the planet

Sep 8 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

LEGENDARY Wales fly-half Neil Jenkins is convinced James Hook will use this World Cup as the launchpad to become the best number 10 on the planet.

Hook, who made his Test debut a little over a year ago, has been singled out by head coach Gareth Jenkins as a “key player” for Wales at this World Cup.

But these next few weeks could be just the start. Neil Jenkins is already thinking towards Hook’s involvement with the 2009 Lions in South Africa. And while Jonny Wilkinson reigned supreme in 2003 and Dan Carter is the hottest fly-half property in the game today, Jenkins backed Hook to be the latest product of Wales’ famous fly-half factory to take the world by storm.

Jenkins, the leading points-scorer in the history of Test rugby, said: “I think he is a quality player. He has got tons of talent. His temperament is fantastic and he is very strong mentally. His progression over the last two years has been incredible.

“He is a natural rugby player, his skills are fantastic and we just try and let him express himself and play. He scored a fantastic try against France two weeks ago.

“He is not a natural kicker but he has worked and worked. He has still got a long way to go to get to where Jonny was – but he has the desire and temperament to be that good.”

Hook will make his World Cup debut against Canada tomorrow.