The versatile Ospreys man, who switches from inside centre to the playmaking role, said. "Stephen is a great player and leader and has proved that over time.

"He's been a big help to me since I have come in to the team and him not playing is a big loss. He deserves his place and brings a lot to the side, which shouldn't be forgotten."

Hook’s enforced move is a switch that could see Wales shine at the end of a less than glorious campaign. He says his fly half examination against England will determine whether he is ready to fill the Wales No.10 jersey long-term.

The youngster, whose developing all round game makes him eye the fly half role in the future, believes he can take his chance in the pressure cooker atmosphere at the Millennium Stadium.

He added, "Hopefully a good performance will determine whether the fly half position really is for me. It's a big game for me and I will learn a lot more about myself after it.

"It will be nice to play at 10; they are big boots to fill but I'm looking forward to it. I'm still finding out what my best position is and I'd imagine in the next couple of years I will gradually move into the fly half jersey."