James Hook has been backed to make a successful adaptation as Wales' new full-back.

The Ospreys star will step in for his injured colleague Lee Byrne when Wales launch their autumn Test campaign against New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday.

Hook, normally a fly-half or centre, has started on one previous occasion in the number 15 shirt during his 33-cap international career.

But Wales assistant coach and kicking specialist Neil Jenkins believes the 24-year-old will relish his opportunity.

"He's a great player, James. He's just a fantastic rugby player," said Jenkins.

"He just wants to play for his country, and he is happy to play anywhere in the team. He is looking forward to Saturday's challenge.

"He is a confident lad.

"He will have a tough afternoon on Saturday with (fly-half) Dan Carter's kicking game and the way New Zealand play, but we have worked our socks off in that area to bring him up to the pace of it and the understanding of that role.

"James has played a lot of rugby at 10, so he understands the space and what 10s are looking for. I am sure he will be fine.

"He can play anywhere - 10, 12, 13, on the wing. He could probably play scrum-half if we wanted him to, he's that talented.

"He has worked his socks off in training, to be fair to him."

Wales have not beaten New Zealand for 56 years, losing their last 20 Tests against the All Blacks.

But despite Byrne and his fellow Lions Mike Phillips and Adam Jones being sidelined through injury, Wales can still parade 10 players who were involved with Lions business in South Africa this summer.

New Zealand boss Graham Henry names his starting line-up tomorrow, having lost wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and prop Tony Woodcock due to one-week suspensions imposed after they were cited for foul play during last Saturday's victory over Australia in Japan.

Teams:

Wales: J Hook (Ospreys); L Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), T Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), J Roberts (Cardiff Blues), S Williams (Ospreys); S Jones (Scarlets), G Cooper (Cardiff Blues); G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), M Rees (Scarlets), P James (Ospreys), A-W Jones (Ospreys), L Charteris (Newport-Gwent Dragons), A Powell (Cardiff Blues), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Jones (Ospreys, captain).

Replacements: H Bennett (Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), B Davies (Cardiff Blues), Dafydd Jones (Scarlets), M Roberts (Scarlets), J Davies (Scarlets), T James (Cardiff Blues).