WARREN GATLAND admits outhalf star James Hook faces "the biggest game of his career" when Wales go for Grand Slam glory in Cardiff today. Hook has been charged with pulling the strings as Wales target a second RBS Six Nations title and tournament clean sweep in four seasons.
The gifted Ospreys star has edged out the vastly more experienced Stephen Jones to face France at the Millennium Stadium.
Coach Gatland said: "I think the whole thing with James is that he probably gives us a few more attacking options in terms of his threat, and we've got the experience of Stephen to call on if required. It is going to be a huge test for James, the biggest game for him in his rugby career so far. We want to see if he has made a bit of progress throughout this tournament."
If Hook needs inspiration, then he could do worse than read about events 30 years ago - seven years before he was born.
Wales beat France 16-7 on that occasion at Cardiff Arms Park to complete a Grand Slam, with outhalf Phil Bennett scoring two tries.
Memories of 1978 were evoked at the Wales captain's run yesterday when skipper Ryan Jones and his team-mates all wore red T-shirts emblazoned with Gravell and number 13 on the back. The late Llanelli legend Ray Gravell was a member of the 1978 Grand Slam side.
His daughters Gwenan and Manon will be the Wales mascots today.
Having come so far, following victories over England, Scotland, Italy and Ireland, Gatland is looking for his players to finish the job and send one of European rugby's proudest nations into raptures.
The game will be played under a closed roof - agreement was apparently reached between the countries earlier this week - while lock Ian Gough is to lead Wales out on the occasion of his 50th cap.
Gatland added: "The heads are switched on. We've tried to keep the routine exactly the same as we have for every game. We haven't changed anything. The players have worked hard again this week, and everyone is just looking forward to tomorrow.
"This has been the hardest game for us to prepare for, with France having made a lot of changes throughout the championship.
"It has been hard to do a huge amount of analysis on them, but given their potential and potency, it is going to be a tough game.
"The players have started to believe in each other and the type of game we are trying to play. They have given everything that we've asked of them. I am really proud of what they have done so far."
Seven of Wales's starting line-up today - Tom Shanklin, Gavin Henson, Shane Williams, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Martyn Williams and Ryan Jones - saw off Ireland to land the Grand Slam in 2005.
And Gatland said: "When you get given an opportunity to do something that is a little bit special, you don't want to let those opportunities slip by. There are a few guys who have got a chance to be a part of two Grand Slam-winning Wales sides, which would be something to look back on in a number of years' time."
Apart from the Grand Slam and Six Nations title, Wales could also break a notable record today.
They have so far conceded only two tries in the tournament, which is two less than England's 2003 Grand Slam team leaked.
England claimed the defensive record of four in 2002 and 2003, but Wales can now set a new best under the watchful eye of assistant coach and defence guru Shaun Edwards.
