Wales tour of South Africa: Jonathan Davies ready for 'fiercely contested' Probables v Possibles trial match as Wales finalise tour plans

The Wales senior trial match will be revived after a 14-year absence to help coach Warren Gatland with his selection for the summer tour against the Springboks

Andrew Baldock
Friday 30 May 2014 03:44 EDT
Comments
Jonathan Davies
Jonathan Davies (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jonathan Davies is braced for a "fiercely-contested" encounter when many of Wales' top players go head-to-head at the Liberty Stadium on Friday night.

The Wales senior trial match - Probables against Possibles - has been revived after a 14-year absence ahead of next month's two-Test South Africa tour.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland will announce a 31-man tour party after the trial and, while many names appear to be inked-in, the odd late bolter cannot be discounted.

"It has been a good, interesting week, and it has been different," said Wales and British and Irish Lions centre Davies, who will line up for the Probables alongside regular Test team midfield partner Jamie Roberts.

"We are preparing for a fiercely-contested game. We have had good preparations, and I am sure the boys are looking forward to it.

"It has the feel of a Welsh derby match, but it's about making sure we go out there as a team and collectively show how we can perform."

A number of fascinating individual contests include Davies lining up opposite Cory Allen, fly-halves Dan Biggar and James Hook facing each other, Gethin Jenkins packing down against Rhodri Jones and Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau taking on young pretender Dan Baker.

And there is also the sight of 20-year-old Scarlets back Jordan Williams featuring on the Probables' left-wing, a player with such talent that he has already been compared in some quarters to a young Shane Williams.

"Jordan has shown all year how much of a threat he is with the ball," Davies added.

"It's an opportunity for him, and we just have to make sure we put him in those areas where he can show what he has got. He is a huge talent, and someone I am looking forward to seeing play.

"It is very difficult to make comparisons for players at a young age. I would just say Jordan has the most talent I have seen in the Scarlets squad with his ability, footwork and handling skills.

"He has it all to be a success, and hopefully, he can be something special."

There will also be some family pride at stake, with the Shingler brothers - flanker Aaron and centre Steven - on opposite sides, together with Davies and his brother James, who provides back-row cover on the Possibles bench.

"I have played against him in the back garden before," Davies senior added. "It will be weird when he comes on.

"Hopefully, he does well, but nowhere near me and he does not get up on me. It's an opportunity for him, and I hope he gets the chance to show what he can do.

"The family are probably daunted about the prospect of the game. I think my mum is hoping we don't make a fool of ourselves and end up in a scrap!"

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in