Wales split over No10 as Hook loses 'toss'

But Llanelli's Lion knows that the perennial fly half debate will rage on. The fabled No 10 shirt is his to borrow, not keep.

There had been so much anticipation surrounding Warren Gatland's selection for Saturday's RBS Six Nations showdown with Ireland at Croke Park but in the event his starting XV contained few surprises.

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While there were four changes to the team who began the rout of Italy, the retention of Jones made perfect sense.

The 30-year-old fly half provided ample proof in the course of Wales' demolition of the Azzurri 11 days ago that he remains a master tactician and a man more than capable of galvanising a vibrant, free-spirited back line.

So despite a breathtaking display against England, Hook is consigned to the supporting cast. For now, the wunderkind must bide his time.

With a healthy dose of realism, Jones greeted his inclusion in the side with an admission that there is no scope for sentiment; no margin for error in the cut-throat environment Gatland has fostered.

"I'm delighted, but if you don't perform you are not going to get the jersey for the next game, simple as that," he said.

"It's easier for a coach to make changes to the team when it is winning. Whether it's me or Hooky or whoever, at the moment in this squad it is horses for courses."

Gatland's decision will divide opinion, but he wishes people would drop the subject. Fat chance. It has long been the Principality's principal talking point.

"Let's not get obsessed about the two No 10s - we have two quality players in that position and we have chosen Stephen for this game," he said.

"It could be a different combination at half back against France. This is a strong side we are putting out and it is nice position to be in because a number of the players have put their hands up in the first three games.

"It came down to the toss of a coin. James Hook has already delivered for us on the big occasion in the game against England. Now the pressure is on Stephen to do the same in this game against Ireland. He has to perform."

Elsewhere, Ospreys hooker Huw Bennett and Cardiff prop Gethin Jenkins have been recalled to the front row, while Alun-Wyn Jones takes over from Ian Evans at lock after recovering from injury.

In the only change to the back line, Dwayne Peel has predictably given way to the fast and physical Mike Phillips.

The chosen scrum half boldly claimed that he fully deserved to see off the challenge of the man he has understudied for so long.

"I thought I had a good chance of being picked," said Phillips. "I've been pleased with the way I've played so far in the Six Nations. Dwayne has a bit more experience than me, but they've obviously gone for the person in form."

Ireland's preparations have been hampered by injuries to their two leading full backs. Coach Eddie O'Sullivan, who has recalled talismanic lock Paul O'Connell and Ulster hooker Rory Best, will have to wait to see which of Girvan Dempsey (hip) or Geordan Murphy (achilles) will start.

Dempsey trained yesterday but O'Sullivan admitted: "Girvan and Geordan are struggling at the moment. They are both a doubt."

In the event that neither of them recovers in time, Rob Kearney will switch to full back, with Tommy Bowe changing flanks and Shane Horgan coming in on the right.

IRELAND: G Dempsey, G Murphy, T Bowe, B O'Driscoll (capt), A Trimble, R Kearney, R O'Gara, E Reddan, M Horan, R Best, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell, D Leamy, J Heaslip, D Wallace. Subs: B Jackman, T Buckley, M O'Driscoll, S Easterby, P Stringer, P Wallace, S Horgan.

WALES: L Byrne, M Jones, T Shanklin, G Henson, S Williams, S Jones, M Phillips, G Jenkins, H Bennett, A Jones, I Gough, W Jones, J Thomas, R Jones (capt), M Williams.

Subs: M Rees, D Jones, I Evans, G Delve, D Peel, J Hook, S Parker.