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Ben James

James Hook identifies straight shootout for key Wales position as Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back mooted

James Hook believes only one of Tommy Reffell or Jac Morgan can start against England to accommodate Taulupe Faletau's return as Jamie Roberts backed Warren Gatland to keep the faith in his youngsters after Wales' dismal start to the Six Nations.

For the first time since 2007, Wales have lost both of their opening matches, leading to plenty of soul-searching on how Gatland can possibly turn things around in time for this year's World Cup.

Things aren't likely to get easier any time soon, with England up next after the defeats to Ireland and Scotland. Naturally, selection for the clash with Steve Borthwick's side is now the next big debate.

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Speaking on BBC's Scrum V, former Wales internationals Hook, Roberts and Philippa Tuttiett all offered their views on what should happen next ahead of the clash in Cardiff on February 25.

Speaking about personnel changes for the next match, Hook urged Wales to reinstate Faletau to the starting side, while also suggesting they take a look at Cardiff's uncapped centre Mason Grady.

"It was a heavy defeat so I think there will be changes," said Hook. "Faletau has got to come back in. I know Jac Morgan is a great player, but he's a seven. I think it's a straight shoot-out between Reffell and Morgan. I think Faletau has got to play against England.

"In the backs, do we swap around our half-backs? If George North isn't fit, do we have a look at Mason Grady? He's an incredible talent."

On Grady and the midfield selection, Roberts added: "He's a huge talent. Supreme athlete who is obviously very raw, but what a game to introduce him to Test rugby. I think Gatland has to look at Grady before the World Cup, but whether he waits until the warm-ups remains to be seen.

"Nick Tompkins is another one. I thought he played very well for us in November. He's got something about him. He's got the feet and the passing game. He's a very industrious player. We've seen Joe Hawkins and George North in these opening two games, is there an opportunity for something like Tompkins now?"

While Tuttiett admitted it was hard to tell whether the half-back combination had been underperforming due to other facets of the game malfunctioning, she did advocate a change at fly-half. She also called for Louis Rees-Zammit to be tried at full-back once again.

"It's very difficult to really judge it because there's so many things going on," she said about the half-backs. "It's very hard for a nine to get the ball out quickly when your forwards aren't going forward, and it's very hard for a 10 to be able to scan when they're getting loads of pressure on them.

"I personally like Tomos Williams. I think he starts. I've quickly become a fan of Owen Williams. I think he's really good. We only saw a little glimpse of him against Ireland. They brought Rhys Patchell in for this game [against Scotland].

"I'd like to see him [Williams] get another shot. He attacks the front-foot and he brings players on with him. He's just something a little bit different.

"Louis Rees-Zammit will be fit. I quite liked him at full-back. I know that's not his starting position, but I thought he did well in the autumn."

Ex-centre Roberts also bemoaned the fact there is little middle ground between the group of players nearing the end of their Test careers and those just at the very start, adding that Gatland needs to back the latter group to develop.

"It's two ends of the spectrum here," he said. "We've got a very experienced core. Lads in their 30s who are very experienced and have nearly 100 caps. Then we've got quite a lot of young players who are hugely inexperienced at this level.

"There's not too much in the middle ground. You'd be hoping, coming into a World Cup year, you'd have players in their mid to late 20s with 30-60 caps, in the athletic prime of their careers. That creates a huge issue now for the next three games.

"Six Nations is gone. It's not a tournament we're going to win. Does Warren roll the dice? He did for Murrayfield and I feel he has to back those younger players. It's a loss but it's an experience they have to learn from."

He added: "It's going to be fascinating. The power game is coming from England. We saw them against Italy and they scored from three driving mauls. There's a real power game coming. He needs to pick a pack that can slow England's ball down and be really abrasive in the collision.

"I really rate Tommy Reffell. I thought he was one of our best players on the weekend so I think he'll keep his position. Christ Tshiunza as well. I thought Dafydd Jenkins went well as well. These younger lads, he's got to keep them in the side and give them the opportunity to grow quickly."

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