Hook has declared himself fit ahead of Saturday's Test © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Warren Gatland | James Hook

Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup

Teams: Wales

Welsh back James Hook is calling on Wales' youngsters to step-up ahead of the World Cup.

Wales' opening World Cup warm-up game against England at Twickenham on Saturday featured impressive displays off the bench from unheralded prospects like centre Scott Williams, scrum-half Tavis Knoyle, prop Ryan Bevington and hooker Lloyd Burns. The countries clash again in Cardiff this weekend, and it would be no surprise if Wales coach Warren Gatland promoted at least one of that quartet to his staring line-up.

With just two Tests left before Gatland announces his 30-man World Cup squad, the battle for places is intensifying. "It's really important the younger players keep pushing," said 52 times-capped Hook, whose versatility means he is an option for Gatland at fly-half, centre or full-back.

"Perhaps maybe in the past, the older boys might have been a bit complacent thinking their places were certain. It's definitely not certain now, and I think Warren has shown in the past he is not frightened to put people in, and that will certainly keep pressure on everyone in the squad.

"I thought the boys expressed themselves well at Twickenham. It was nice to see the ball getting out to the wings and George (North) and Shane (Williams) getting tries.

"If we can build that into our game more and more, hopefully we will be a lot more of an attacking threat."

Morgan Stoddart, meanwhile, has undergone surgery on the broken left leg he suffered at Twickenham, an injury that is set to sideline him from the World Cup. The Welsh Rugby Union say Stoddart's operation was successful, although they have given no indication how long he will be sidelined for.

He remains in London's Charing Cross Hospital, and was due to return to Wales on Tuesday. "It's devastating for Morgan," added Hook. "He has been training so well, he played so well in the Six Nations last season and he was looking sharp.

"We wish him a speedy recovery and hope he gets through it all right. I just feel so sorry for him. He's a great loss to Wales."