James Hook has been named in place of Rhys Priestland at No. 10 for Wales in their Rugby World Cup semi-final against France on Saturday.
Priestland injured his left shoulder in the 22-10 quarterfinal win over Ireland last weekend, when he was selected to start at flyhalf in favor of Hook and 102-test veteran Stephen Jones.
Hook’s return is the only change to the starting XV announced Thursday by Wales coach Warren Gatland. Jones has been recalled to the reserves bench for the semifinals.
“Time was against Rhys, so we’re happy we have the talent and ability elsewhere in the squad to cover him,” Gatland told a news conference.
“Rhys has done everything we have asked of him, and more, during this World Cup. But when we have players of the caliber and experience of James Hook and Stephen Jones coming into the squad, there is no sense that Rhys’ absence leaves us any weaker.”
Priestland has been instrumental in the revival of the Welsh running game, directing a young backline from No. 10. But he has been in doubt all week after being seen in the post-match period with his arm in a sling. Gatland said a decision was taken late Wednesday when the injury didn’t respond to treatment.
Hook, who missed two matches during the pool stage with an injured shoulder, has said he is all set to step in.
The only other injury concern for Wales was over captain Sam Warburton with a groin strain, but the 23-year-old flanker was named to start against the French.
Wales is back into the World Cup semifinals for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1987.
Wales:
15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 James Hook, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (C), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Huw Bennett, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Lloyd Burns, 17 Paul James, 18 Bradley Davies, 19 Ryan Jones, 21 Lloyd Williams, 21 Stephen Jones, 22 Scott Williams.