Hansen praises Hook

Hook - who made his international breakthrough during the autumn internationals - was a relative unknown this time last year preparing for Dubai with the Wales Sevens.

But this month he came off the bench in place of injured captain Stephen Jones to help secure a 29-29 draw with Australia before starting in the victories over both the Pacific Islands and Canada.

Although Wales then lost to New Zealand 45-10 they asked more questions of the All Blacks in the second half after Hook's introduction.

"I was speaking to Steve Hansen before we left for Dubai and he said James would be competing with Daniel Carter if he was in New Zealand," Wales Sevens coach Dai Rees said.

"That is a hell of a compliment. Players like that come along once in a generation. James is proving to be that good.

"He has had his breaks and will form a core part of the Wales squad for years to come."

Carter came into the New Zealand squad as an inside centre before switching to fly-half once Carlos Spencer retired and - with Jones in place as Wales captain until 2007 - it looks as though Hook will follow the same path.

"He will place himself in a position soon where he has got to be in the side," Rees added.

"He will place Gareth [Jenkins, the Wales coach] in a position where there is no way he can leave James Hook out and he could play at either 10 or 12.

"With Steve as captain, initially you would look at James at 12. The way we play in Welsh rugby we have got to play with a guy who can release players around him and, for me, James Hook is that role."