Hook faces fitness race for Wales

James Hook lasted just 18 minutes of the 34-13 win against Canada

James Hook is Wales' main new injury concern for the 22 November clash with New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium.

The fly-half limped off with a knee problem after just 18 minutes of the 34-13 win over Canada and undergoes a scan on Saturday.

"He was walking on it [Friday] night so the doctors didn't seem too worried," said Wales team manager Alan Phillips.

Tom Shanklin also took a knock against Canada and will be assessed before Tuesday's planned team announcement.

Wing will be a major debating point after Leigh Halfpenny's outstanding two tries against the Canucks, the experienced Mark Jones also looking sharp in the match.

Dwayne Peel will be hoping to return as first-choice scrum-half in place of Gareth Cooper, Mike Phillips on the long-term injury list.

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The injury absence of Jonathan Thomas and Gareth Delve ease the pressure on out-of-form skipper Ryan Jones, although Dafydd Jones is an option on the blind-side.

Duncan Jones and Gavin Henson have joined the casualty list since the original squad was announced - John Yapp and Tom James replacing them - while hooker Huw Bennett is unlikely to be fit to face the All Blacks.

"We're building a culture that people want to come into the side," Phillips told BBC Radio Wales' The Back Page programme.

"The coaches are setting a different standard now.

"Some people took that opportunity [against Canada], some didn't."

Should Hook miss out on Wales' bid to beat the All Blacks for the first time since 1953, Stephen Jones will be almost certain to continue in the number 10 jersey.

Gatland seeking ruthless edge

Osprey teenager Dan Biggar impressed from the bench against Canada, though, and could be in line for a replacement spot against New Zealand.

"I will approach the game and the week in exactly the same manner as I always do - prepared to start the game, if called upon," said the 6ft 2ins 19-year-old, a product of Gorseinon Rugby Club.

"We are hoping that James is all right for next week, because he is one of the best players around.

"Stephen [Jones] is in pole position at the minute, and quite rightly so.

Off the field, I am not that confident a person Dan Biggar

"I was hoping for possibly a five-minute run at the end [against Canada] with us 50-0 up, or something.

"I am delighted to be given an opportunity, and the guys on the pitch did a really good job guiding me through it.

"I just had to focus on my job, and my job alone. It probably took me a couple of minutes to settle, but you relish it - it's something you live for.

"It was a little bit daunting when I first went on. It is a massive step up, even from regional rugby. The pace of the game is a lot quicker, and a mistake can cost you.

"Off the field, I am not that confident a person, but on the field it is basically what I get paid to do, so I have to be the general.

"We know it wasn't a brilliant performance, but hopefully we will be peaking next week against New Zealand."

*The Wales team to face New Zealand is due to be named at 1300 GMT on Tuesday, 18 November.

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Backs: M Stoddart (Scarlets), L Byrne (Ospreys), T James (Cardiff Blues), L Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), M Jones (Scarlets), S Williams (Ospreys), T Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), A Bishop (Ospreys), J Roberts (Cardiff Blues), D Biggar (Ospreys), J Hook (Ospreys), S Jones (Scarlets), M Roberts (Scarlets), D Peel (Sale Sharks), G Cooper (Gloucester).

Forwards: G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), J Yapp (Cardiff Blues), A Jones (Ospreys), E Roberts (Sale Sharks), R Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), H Bennett (Ospreys), M Rees (Scarlets), R Hibbard (Ospreys), AW Jones (Ospreys), I Gough (Ospreys), I Evans (Ospreys), L Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), D Jones (Scarlets), A Powell (Cardiff Blues), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues), R Jones (Ospreys, capt).