Hook hopes for repeat performance

Hook’s region faces the Blues in a huge East versus West clash at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday in an EDF Energy Cup semi-final double-header.

“We’ve got a big game coming up on Saturday, for the Ospreys and me personally,” said Hook.

English clubs Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks go head-to-head in the curtain-raiser, but most Welsh rugby followers will be wondering if Hook can continue where he left off when he condemned England to defeat in the RBS Six Nations.

“It’s a big ask but, obviously, I’ll try my best, like I did last Saturday. If I play the same this weekend as last, it would be great. It was a big one for Wales last weekend and it’s the same for the Ospreys region, our players and supporters on Saturday.”

He assured fans he is ready to meet the challenge of the fired-up Blues, declaring, “I will keep my focus. It has got to be that way. We are all professional now and you’ve got to keep your concentration whether it’s an international, a semi-final of the cup or a Magners League game.”

Hook revealed he has learned what makes some of his Wales teammates tick during their long weeks in camp during the Six Nations. Yet friendships will be put on the back burner as the Ospreys and Blues go at it hammer and tongs.

“You’ve just got to put things like that out of your mind. I’ve been with the boys for the last six to eight weeks and know how they play, but they will also know my game.”

Ospreys
15. Lee Byrne
14. Shane Williams 
13. Sonny Parker
12. Andrew Bishop         
11. Nikki Walker 
10. James Hook
9. Justin Marshall
8. Filo Tiatia                  
7. Jonathan Thomas                   
6. Ryan Jones
5. Alun Wyn Jones         
4. Brent Cockbain                      
3. Adam Jones
2. Huw Bennett              
1. Duncan Jones (Capt)

Replacements:
16. Barry Williams         
17. Paul James                          
18. Andy Lloyd
19. Richard Pugh           
20. Jason Spice                         
21. Shaun Connor
22. Stefan Terblanche