JONATHAN Davies is ready to play anywhere for Wales to hang onto his place in the side as he closes in on 100 caps.
The Scarlets centre missed out on a third successive British & Irish Lions tour after what he described as an “average” season, but instead was honoured with the Welsh captaincy for the summer series against Argentina.
Now 33, Davies has been a world class presence in the Welsh midfield almost from the day he first broke into the side in 2009. Two World Cup semi-finals, two Grand Slams and two more Six Nations titles, along with a draw and a win in two Lions series, bear testimony to his global status.
Long-term partners Jamie Roberts and Hadleigh Parkes have long since left centre stage and now the man with 91 Welsh caps, and six Tests for the Lions, faces stiff opposition for his place with Willis Halaholo, Nick Tompkins, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas and now Aneurin Owen all snapping at his heels.
“You want more competition because it raises standards in training,” said Davies. “We haven't had that in years gone by when it was probably the starting team and then the rest.
“Over the last four years the growth of the squad has really pushed us to another level. Whoever is not in the team pushes the team and makes the build up to a match almost harder than the game itself.
“There is that edge and everyone wants to be in the team. Those of us in it don't want to give up the jersey. That's the important thing, making sure that when you come into camp you help to take training up to another level.
“It's great that the competition is fierce within the squad and it is probably what I needed. You can take nothing for granted and you have to ensure your form is worthy of a place. I love the challenge and that's what makes it exciting for me. I'll play wherever the coaches are happiest to see me playing.
“Whether I wear 12 or 13 it is just a number and hopefully I play enough to have another conversation about where I should play. If they want me to play 12 with someone else at 13 I'll be happy with that.”
Davies is currently still on his summer break, but faces a tougher season than ever when he returns to action. The Scarlets will be involved in a beefed-up United Rugby Champi- onship, involving the four South African super rugby franchises and Wales meet New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Fiji in the autumn.
Whether or not he holds onto the captaincy depends on when Alun Wyn Jones wants to return to action and add to his world record 160 cap collection.
“I'm not going to fight him for the captain's arm band, that's for sure,” added Davies. “He is the leader of this country and I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather follow into a rugby match. What he did to get back out onto the field for the Lions proved his character.
“He sets high standards for everyone and he holds people accountable. He has all the best traits of a good captain.”
■By ROB COLE
