Former Wales winger Dafydd James fears for Mike Phillips, James Hook

Former Wales international Dafydd James has admitted that Mike Phillips and James Hook are unlikely to be part of the country's squad for the Rugby World Cup.

The experienced duo both started Saturday's 35-21 defeat to Ireland at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

However, following coach Warren Gatland's claim that the team's first-half performance would influence his selection for the upcoming tournament, James believes that the international careers of Phillips and Hook may be over.

"It does look like it may be the end for Hook and Mike Phillips, really," the ex-winger is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"It looked as though they had one shot at it and unfortunately it didn't come off for those [two] guys and it'll be sad to say the likelihood is that they shan't be making the final cut. I'm pretty sure they'll be thinking the same things as well."

Wales play a return match against Ireland in Dublin on August 29.