Hook Replaces Priestland for France

James Hook will start at fly-half for Wales in Saturday's World Cup semi-final against France in Auckland.

Hook, who has played only three minutes at fly-half during the tournament, replaces the injured Rhys Priestland.

With lock Luke Charteris shaking off a shoulder injury, coach Warren Gatland has otherwise named the same starting XV that beat Ireland in the last eight.

The only other change sees record caps holder Stephen Jones taking Hook's place on the bench.

Wales, aiming to secure their place in a World Cup final for the first time, had initially been hopeful that Priestland's injury was not serious.

But the 24-year-old, who came into the tournament as Wales' third-choice fly-half, has not been able to train in New Zealand all week after taking a knock to his shoulder in the final stages of the win over Ireland.

It left Gatland with a straight choice between Hook, who played the first two pool games at full-back, and Jones, whose calf injury a month before the start of the World Cup had opened the door for Priestland.

"Time was against Rhys, but we are happy that we have the talent and ability elsewhere in the squad to cover him," said Gatland.

"Rhys has done everything we have asked of him and more during this World Cup, but, when we have players of the calibre and experience of James Hook and Stephen Jones coming into the squad and starting line-up, there is no sense that Rhys's absence leaves us any weaker."

Hook's last appearance at fly-half came in the final World Cup warm-up in August when Wales beat Argentina 28-13 in Cardiff.

The Perpignan-bound 26-year-old had started at 10 in three of last season's Six Nations matches, including the 28-9 defeat by France in Paris.

He started the World Cup campaign at full-back against South Africa and Samoa, but sat out the wins over Namibia and Fiji with a shoulder injury.

His first taste at fly-half came in the dying stages against Ireland when Priestland was forced off with the injury that has cost him his place.

Charteris, Jamie Roberts, George North and captain Sam Warburton sat out training on Tuesday with minor niggles, but all four have been passed fit to face the French.

Once again, eight of Gatland's match-day squad are aged 23 or under, which confirms the impact the younger generation have made during the tournament.

Wales have lost six of the previous seven meetings against France, who have named the same side that beat England 19-12 in the quarter-finals.

Gatland added: "We know that the people in Wales and the fans that have travelled here are excited about reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup and we are too, but beating France on Saturday must be and will be our sole focus.

"The time to reflect and to celebrate will come if we win our next two matches, until that happens our focus on the task ahead must be absolute."

In the previous 88 matches between both nations, Wales have won 43, France 42 with 3 draws.

Wales team: Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues); George North (Scarlets), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys); James Hook (Perpignan), Mike Phillips (Bayonne); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Dragons) Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), Toby Faletau (Dragons).

Replacements: Lloyd Burns (Dragons), Paul James (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

Gatland Gives Ireland Master Class

Wales crushed Ireland's dream and reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1987 with an impressive display in Wellington.

Wing Shane Williams squeezed over for Wales' early opener, Keith Earls responding in kind after the break.

But in-form scrum-half Mike Phillips' clever dive and centre Jonathan Davies' burst past prop Cian Healey settled the contest in Wales' favour.

Rhys Priestland added seven Welsh points to Ronan O'Gara's five.

Ireland produced a performance that justified their status as Pool C winners against the Pool D runners-up, but Wales now await news of who they will face in the semi-finalsv - England or France.

Outstanding flanker and captain Sam Warburton's side proved equal to the challenge as they held out Irish dangermen such as Brian O'Driscoll, Sean O'Brien and Tommy Bowe.

Lock Luke Charteris epitomised the Welsh effort, making 16 tackles before being replaced by Bradley Davies at the break.

Wherever Ireland threatened, Wales seemed to have enough numbers and commitment to cope other than when wing Earls made the most of his chance.

The Welsh line-out also stood up to the notable challenge of Paul O'Connell and Donncha O'Callaghan to such an extent that Alun Wyn Jones and Bradley Davies came out on top as the game wore on.

At the scrums Ireland were unable to repeat the efforts that Australia found so punishing in the pool stages and Wales go into the last four with a solid platform and potent attacking threat.

Jamie Roberts was again the focus of Welsh efforts with ball-in-hand, on one occasion running over Gordon D'Arcy while regularly making telling inroads.

And with Priestland guiding the effort and Phillips continuing a rich vein of form, Wales proved superior behind to the O'Gara-O'Driscoll axis from which Ireland have relied in the past decade.

Wales last reached the last four in the inaugural 1987 event, finishing third on that occasion after beating Australia in the play-off while Ireland must wait another four years to again attempt to do so for the first time.

Gatland's men hope to go at least one better at this tournament after leading the way among the nothern hemisphere challengers.

Wing Williams extended his Wales record try tally to 56 in the third minute as they began with an assurance that belied the occasion.

They patiently built a multi-phase attack in which Jamie Roberts took a high ball going forward and Toby Faletau also made ground before Halfpenny put Williams over in the right corner.

Video referee Giulio de Santis confirmed the score and Priestland converted from the wide angle.

Indiscipline and Ireland's ability to build pressure from it denied Wales the chance to capitalise on their good start.

In quick succession Faletau went over the top at a ruck, George North failed to roll away from a tackle and Dan Lydiate was caught offside at a breakdown.

But Ireland were unable to break down Wales' defence as they settled for a series of attacking line-outs instead of kicking for goal.

North pulled off a crucial tackle on Bowe that thwarted one Irish attack.

But when Roberts again put Wales on to the front-foot, O'Driscoll intercepted Phillips' pass to launch Ireland's best attack of the opening half in which D'Arcy's dummy and run underlined the threat to Wales.

However, Williams somehow managed to hold powerful flanker O'Brien off the floor as the flanker crossed the line to deny Ireland a first try.

O'Driscoll set off again after taking Priestland's up-and-under to give Rob Kearney a run and when Wales again fell foul of the tackle laws, this time O'Gara took Ireland's first points from the penalty.

Halfpenny restored Wales' seven-point advantage with a long-range penalty while O'Gara sent two kicks into touch-in-goal as the tension mounted.

Ireland drew level in the 44th minute when Stephen Ferris and Bowe combined to give Earls the time and space to cross at the corner for another try settled by the video ref and O'Gara converted.

But five minutes later Phillips stole away on the blindside after Alun Wyn Jones' drive before beating D'Arcy and evading Bowe's tackle to dive over, also securing the video ref's approval.

Priestland could not convert and his chance to put Wales eight points ahead after Cian Healey was penalised at a scrum rebounded off and upright to leave the contest on a knife edge.

Wales went further ahead when centre Davies made the most of Healey's appearance in the midfield defence to fend off the prop and burst clear to score.

Priestland converted to put Wales 12 points ahead with 15 minutes remaining.

Ireland's attempt a response saw replacement scrum-half Eoin Reddan conjure a superb pass to O'Brien.

But the Irish flanker was halted three metres short and knocked on before Healey was penalised at the scrum, allowing Wales to clear.

Ireland threw all they had left at Wales in the closing stages, but the defence coached by Shaun Edwards proved equal to the task.

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues); George North (Scarlets), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Bayonne); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Dragons) Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), Toby Faletau (Dragons).

Replacements: Lloyd Burns (Dragons), Paul James (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

Ireland: R Kearney (Leinster); T Bowe (Ospreys), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, capt), G D'Arcy (Leinster), K Earls (Munster); R O'Gara (Munster), C Murray (Munster); C Healy (Leinster), R Best (Ulster) or S Cronin (Leinster), M Ross (Leinster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), S Ferris (Ulster), S O'Brien (Leinster), J Heaslip (Leinster).

Replacements: S Cronin (Leinster) or D Varley (Munster), T Court (Ulster), D Ryan (Munster), D Leamy (Munster), E Reddan (Leinster), J Sexton (Leinster), A Trimble (Ulster).

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa).

Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Romain Poite (France)

TMO: Giulio de Santis (Italy)

Jonathan Davies Geared for Derby

Jonathan Davies says Wales' World Cup quarter-final clash against Ireland on Saturday amounts to a "local derby".

The teams will battle for a place in the final four 12,000 miles from home.

But the Scarlet points to Six Nations and Pro12 League familiarity as the background to the encounter in Wellington.

"We've played against each other so many times it's almost like a local derby," said Davies.

"It's the fact that we're pretty close, Scotland and England as well, you always want to get one up and back home the public love it as well.

"So it is a huge game Saturday."

And the 23-year-old believes Wales' route to the latter stages following their opening defeat by South Africa has already forced them to take a "knock-out" approach.

Wales went on to beat Samoa 17-10, before hammering Namibia and Fiji.

"After the South Africa loss, it was almost knock-out rugby for us then.

"We had to make sure we won every game and we've done that so we're used to this pressure being on us, making sure we have to win and nothing changes on Saturday - we've got to get a win."

Jamie Roberts' midfield partner is one of eight matchday squad members aged aged 23 or under.

But Davies says even though the party's most capped player, Stephen Jones, has been overlooked, he and his fellow veterans can be credited with helping the new generation come to fruition.

Davies said: "There's a lot of experience in this squad as well and I think it's a great mix and a lot of players have brought us on.

"Stephen Jones has played a huge part in bringing on the young Scarlets who are coming through into the squad and the other regions as well.

"I think a lot can be taken out of that good mix of experience and youth."

With vastly experienced Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy to take on, Davies says Wales must win the gain line battle if they are to reach the semi-finals for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1987.

Davies said: "Test match rugby is all about getting go-forward and momentum over that gain line and with the ball-carriers we've got, it's worked so far and hopefully come Saturday we can get our runners into the game and get momentum.

"We've been together so long we're all comfortable with what we're doing now and understand what the coaches want as well.

"I think everything's coming into place quite nicely."

Ireland, the 2009 Six Nations Grand Slam champions, boast a 100% record at this year's World Cup and shocked pre-tournament favourites Australia with a 15-6 victory on the way to topping Pool C.

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues); George North (Scarlets), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Bayonne); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Dragons) Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), Toby Faletau (Dragons).

Replacements: Lloyd Burns (Dragons), Paul James (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

Gatland Admits Tough Welsh Choices

Wales coach Warren Gatland has named his team for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Ireland, but he admitted: "It was probably one of the longest selection meetings we have ever had."

Leigh Halfpenny - and not James Hook or Lee Byrne - has clinched the full-back berth, while wing Shane Williams and flanker Dan Lydiate both return to the starting line-up following injuries.

Despite Hook regaining fitness after a shoulder injury that meant he missed Wales' final two Pool D games, in-form Halfpenny has won Gatland's vote.

Hook, who has played Test rugby at full-back, centre and fly-half, has to be content with a place on the bench, but Byrne misses out completely.

Halfpenny replaced Hook at half-time during the crucial 17-10 victory over Samoa in Hamilton 18 days ago, creating a match-winning try after he launched an attack from inside his own half. He then played on the wing against Namibia and Fiji.

"This was a tough selection for us," Gatland said.

"It was probably one of the longest selection meetings we have ever had, where we went through every possible permutation available to us.

"It is a great position to be in when you are struggling to find a place for players in the squad and the starting line-up, instead of having to think who can make up the numbers, which has sometimes been the case."

Lydiate returns to the starting XV after recovering from ankle ligament damage, and Williams' thigh strain has also healed, enabling him to wear his familiar number 11 shirt.

With Lydiate reunited alongside back-row colleagues Sam Warburton and Toby Faletau, former Wales captain Ryan Jones moves to the bench.

Lydiate's determined recovery process included him getting up at two-hourly intervals during the night and icing an injury that initially threatened to destroy his World Cup dream.

Eight of Gatland's matchday 22 are aged 23 or under, which confirms the impact Wales' thrilling younger generation have made on the tournament.

But there are no places for British and Irish Lions trio Byrne, Stephen Jones and Andy Powell as Wales move towards what could be their most successful World Cup campaign since 1987.

Wales finished third in that inaugural tournament. Victory over Ireland would set up a semi-final against England and France, two teams struggling for consistency.

"This is Rugby World Cup quarter-final time, and we had some tough decisions to make with the likes of Dan, Shane and James returning from injury and the side having done so well in their recent absence," Gatland added.

"But this is the side we have gone with and, as a 22, we believe it is the team which gives us the best chance of winning this game against an Ireland team which not only topped their group, but beat Australia on the way."

After losing their opening pool game by a point against South Africa, Wales then edged out Samoa before crushing Namibia 81-7 and Fiji 66-0, scoring 21 tries during those last two matches.

Wales: L Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues); G North (Scarlets), J Davies (Scarlets), J Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys); R Priestland (Scarlets), M Phillips (Bayonne); G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), H Bennett (Ospreys), A Jones (Ospreys), L Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), A-W Jones (Ospreys), D Lydiate (Newport Gwent Dragons), S Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), T Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: L Burns (Newport Gwent Dragons), P James (Ospreys), B Davies (Cardiff Blues), R Jones (Ospreys), L Williams (Cardiff Blues), J Hook (Perpignan), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

Gatland Impressed by Young Guns

Coach Warren Gatland has praised the impact of the previously unheralded youngsters who he hopes will inspire Wales in their World Cup quarter-final.

They will be up against an experienced Ireland side in Saturday's last-eight game for a shot at playing in their first World Cup final.

"We arrived in New Zealand with no-one really knowing anything about some of our youngsters," said Gatland.

"I'd like to think they have made an impression since they arrived here."

Teenage wing George North, fly-half Rhys Priestland, centres Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies and back-rowers Sam Warburton, Toby Faletau and Dan Lydiate are all tipped to start against Ireland in Wellington and all are under 24.

Wing Leigh Halfpenny, centre Scott Williams and scrum-half Lloyd Williams have also impressed in New Zealand as Wales start their knock-out campaign trailing only the All Blacks in points scored during the tournament.

Only the hosts and Australia have scored more tries than the Welsh in the World Cup and Wales' experienced British and Irish Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips believes Gatland's youngsters are inspiring their older colleagues.

"The boys have a quiet confidence about them," said Phillips, who is set to win his 58th cap on Saturday.

"There is no arrogance at all. They just want to get on with the job and work hard.

"It's a pleasure to be in the squad and to be around these great people.

"They [the youngsters] are leading the way and it is inspiring for everyone."

Wales have progressed further than the last eight only once at a World Cup, when they finished third at the inaugural tournament in 1987.

Ireland's pairing of Brian O'Driscoll and Ronan O'Gara have more than 330 caps between them, compared with a combined total of 96 caps between Roberts, Davies, Priestland, North and Halfpenny.

Wales' new-look back row have impressed in New Zealand but Lydiate, Faletau and Warburton, the youngest captain in World Cup history, will face arguably the best back-row unit in the tournament when they clash with Irish trio Stephen Ferris, Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip.

But Phillips is confident Wales' youngsters can succeed against Ireland's golden generation.

"They are so physical, busting tackles and off-loading," said Phillips.

"We have a good blend - it's a great group. The atmosphere is great in the camp and there is no end of talent there."

Phillips praised record-breaking 19-year-old powerhouse North, who became the youngest World Cup try-scorer in Wales' 81-7 Pool D win over Namibia.

The 16 stone, 6ft 4in wing has scored nine tries in 12 Wales appearances and Phillips joked: "He's immense, he is still only about 14 now and he's bossing the tournament."

WALES' WORLD CUP RECORD

1987: Third place

1991: Pool stages

1995: Pool stages

1999: Quarter-final

2003: Quarter-final

2007: Pool stages

Warburton Dedicates Win to Miners

Wales captain Sam Warburton dedicated Wales' 17-10 World Cup win over Samoa to the families of four Welsh miners who died last week.

Warburton's side trailed 10-6 at the break, but Shane Williams scored a crucial try to secure the win.

"I would like to dedicate the win today to the families of the miners back home," said flanker Warburton. "Our thoughts are with them."

Coach Warren Gatland said: "I thought we showed some great character."

It was Wales' first World Cup win over the islanders in three attempts, having lost to them in Cardiff at the 1991 and 1999 tournaments.

Victory also followed Wales' opening 17-16 defeat by reigning champions South Africa.

Gatland, coaching Wales in his home town of Hamilton, added: "We were under pressure at half-time but the boys dug deep.

"We've worked really hard the last few months and you've got to show people how much it means to us to get out of this and get a W [win] on the board.

"I thought in the last 15-20 minutes Samoa's conditioning probably told and they looked to tire a bit and weren't quite as effective in the second part of the second half as they were in the first.

"I thought we defended exceptionally well for most of the game."

Flanker Warburton praised Leigh Halfpenny, who replaced shoulder injury victim James Hook at the break. Wales also lost  Dan Lydiate to an ankle injury.

"Both sides didn't disappoint, we knew it was going to be an immensely tough battle," said Warburton.

"Samoa are very physical and it was a tough game for us.

"We wanted to keep the ball in play as much as we could and back our fitness levels towards the end of the match.

"Leigh [Halfpenny] came on and added some great momentum to the side and Shane finished it off as we've seen him do a million times before.

"If our backs get a sniff they're pretty handy."

Gatland Boks Chance Slips

South Africa came from behind to secure a thrilling 17-16 World Cup win against Wales in Wellington on Sunday.

Trailing 16-10 with 15 minutes to go, substitute Francois Hougaard scored the all-important try and Morne Steyn kicked the conversion to break Welsh hearts once more.

But given the margin of victory Wales could well feel aggrieved by the result as a first-half penalty from James Hook which appeared to slide just inside the upright was not given.

Francois Steyn scored the only try of the first half to help the Springboks to a 10-6 lead at the break.

But Wales dominated much of the second half and their efforts were finally rewarded when big No.8 Toby Faletau slid over and Hook converted which gave the Welsh real hope of ending their 12-year drought against the defending world champions.

The crowd had barely settled into their seats when Francois Steyn dived over in the corner for the game’s first try after two minutes. Namesake Morne added the conversion.

Wales were determined to play running rugby when they finally got hold of some ball but had to settle for a Hook penalty when the Springboks went off their feet at the ruck.

It was a high tackle by JP Pietersen on Mike Phillips that presented Wales with their second points-scoring opportunity, only for Hook’s penalty to be judged wide despite it appearing to go inside of the upright.

Morne Steyn slotted his second penalty shortly afterwards when Danny Lydiate strayed offside at the ruck to stretch the Springboks lead to 10-3 with a quarter of the game gone.

South Africa suffered a setback in the 25th minute when de Villiers was forced from the field with a rib injury and was replaced by Butch James.

Again the Dragons had to settle for another three points from Hook’s boot instead of five when Schalk Burger failed to roll away at the ruck ending a promising attack started by a strong straight run by Roberts.

The half ended with failed dropped goal attempts from Morne Steyn and Priestland, who grew in confidence as the game wore on.

Wales came out firing after the break and went straight on the attack. But again a lost ball – this time by Faletau – let the Springboks off the hook.

Wales finally got their noses in front in the 54th minute when the TMO confirmed Faletau had scored the try their attacking endeavour deserved.

Again Roberts was to the fore with another hard, straight run down the middle. The forwards then carried the attack on up to within five metres with a series of pick and drives before Priestland’s pass put the big No.8 in space and he slid over.

Hook’s conversion made it 16-10 to Wales.

But the Springboks bench provided the desired impact and with 15 minutes to go Hougaard was in under the posts and Morne Steyn’s conversion edged the Springboks in front by a point and they doggedly hung on.

Ryan Wales World Cup Doubt

Former Wales captain Ryan Jones' World Cup participation is in doubt because of his calf injury.

Coach Warren Gatland is pondering calling in a replacement for the back-five forward.

Like Stephen Jones and Gethin Jenkins, Ryan Jones has a calf problem that may not clear up for two more weeks.

That means the Ospreys' back-five forward might only be fit for Wales' final Pool D game against Fiji on Sunday, 2 October in Hamilton.

Gatland will wait until the aftermath of Wales' tournament opener against South Africa on Sunday to consider what course of action to take over the Ospreys forward.

The 30-year-old has yet to feature in a World Cup, having missed the 2007 tournament with a shoulder injury.

Following his announcement of the team to face the Springboks this weekend, Gatland said: "We just want to see how Sunday goes.

"Hopefully we don't pick up any injuries and we've just got to give that injury [to Ryan Jones] a little bit more time to settle.

"The thing is if we do replace a player then if he does recover in two weeks and you pick up another injury, you can't recall that [original] player.

"So it's a long tournament and we've got to make sure that we make the right decision there.

"And can we give him enough time? Obviously if we pick up injuries on Sunday… it may change our thinking so we'll wait to see what happens."

Danny Lydiate, who will fill the blindside flank role that Ryan Jones has sometimes occupied is sympathetic to his squad-mate's plight.

Lydiate said: "I'm just gutted for him really. He's trained this week and the enthusiasm he has when he's out here especially with us younger boys is great.

"He takes you under his wing and he's brilliant and he has his little words of wisdom that you really listen to.

"So just gutted for him and hopefully he can recover and it's not as bad as it seems."

Wales team manager Alan Phillips had earlier declared that of Stephen and Ryan Jones the latter was more likely to be fit to face the Springboks.

Fly-half Stephen Jones and prop Jenkins could, however, come into contention to face Samoa in Wales' second game on Sunday, 18 September in Hamilton.

Gatland named Jenkins in his 30-man squad, even though the 30-year-old loose-head has had injury problems since January.

Ryan Jones rested his calf when Wales beat Argentina 28-13 at the Millennium Stadium last month.

Wales also suffered injuries to key players in the build-up to the World Cup, which kicks off on 9 September when hosts New Zealand take on Tonga in Auckland.

Versatile Morgan Stoddart was ruled out with a broken leg, centre Gavin Henson suffered a wrist injury in a warm-up game against England in Cardiff and front row Matthew Rees followed medical advice to have surgery on his neck.