Hook hurt by axe

The 22-year-old paid the price for a disappointing performance in last weekend's win over Canada and lost the coveted number 10 jersey to his senior rival Stephen Jones but Hook insists the setback has made him more determined to inspire a famous Welsh victory over the Wallabies.

"I am bitterly disappointed. It is hard not to be involved - especially when it's Wales' biggest game for the last couple of years - because of one bad game," said Hook. "I was sulking but now I am just really excited. Whenever the opportunity comes I will grab it."

He added: "It would be a dream to come on and win it for Wales. A win for Wales is the priority but to come on and play any part in a victory for Wales would be great for me."

When Hook came off against Canada, Wales were trailing 17-9 and he had thrown an intercept pass which resulted in an 80-metre breakaway try for the Cannucks.

It was not his greatest afternoon in a Wales jersey - but Hook feels hard done-by.

"It was a tough 50 minutes against Canada. It is unfortunate that when I got taken off, the game did open up a bit," he said. "If I hadn't thrown that interception pass we would have scored and been 10 or 12 points up and the game might have gone a different way. We might have been looking at something different," he said.

"But that's rugby for you. Gareth has gone with the experience of Stephen. He is a great player.

"It just makes me more determined now to do even better.

"Substitutions will be made. I am disappointed to be on the bench but I am excited and I am all the more determined."