James Hook cannot be described as a certainty to start for the Grand Slam winners but James is full of praise for the Ospreys star.

"He's brilliant," said James, who still hopes to return for the World Champions when they welcome the Lions next summer.

"Before I even played against him, I thought he was one of the best. I think he's one of the best fly-halves in the world, probably just behind Dan Carter at the moment."

Hook has impressed for his region throughout 2008 and James believes that kind of form belongs on the international stage, certainly with Wales and, possibly, with the Lions.

"When Hook's playing well, he's right up there competing. He can do it all. He's got all the skills.

"His defence is also one of his strengths. I know we weren't targeting him (when Wales toured South Africa) last summer. I'm sure that if he's bulked up even more, he's only going to be more solid.

"He can also turn a game on its head. He's able to score or make a try from anywhere on the field. You don't get that from a lot of fly-halves."