Flanker Davies looking forward to Judgement Day

Scarlets flanker James Davies has enjoyed something of a whirlwind debut professional season with the Scarlets making 20 appearances and scoring 20 points to boot.

The former Wales 7s specialist, and Carmarthen Quins player, made the full time switch to Scarlets’ senior squad ahead of season 2014-15.

Davies is high in praise of fellow back rower and Scottish international John Barclay who he credits highly with his rapid development this season. Carmarthen born Davies said: “John has been a great help. He always talks to me a lot on the pitch; when to jackal, when to not jackal, little parts of the game, strategies and tactical things. He gets me into the right positions on the pitch.

“It’s always been about getting the opportunity and this year it’s been given to me. I’d like to think that I’ve taken that opportunity.”

Looking ahead to Judgement Day, at the preview held at Millennium Stadium on Monday, 13^th April, Davies went on to say: “I can’t wait. I love playing in front of a good crowd and it always gets you going that little bit more. With forty thousand people expected here it will be great and I’m really looking forward to that.”

Scarlets’ victory over Zebre on Saturday ensured that the race for the top six in the Guinness PRO12 is still alive and the West Wales region are still in the hunt for a place in the European Rugby Champions Cup competition next season. Davies went on to say: “We have a big few weeks coming up fighting for the sixth place, that will really show us how well the season has gone.

“Securing our place in Europe is huge. We’ve put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make sure we get 6^th place. We know how important it is for the club in more ways than one. Hopefully we can put some good performances together in the last few weeks and really nail that place down.”

Wales has a talented pool of players vying for the openside flank berth and Davies is fully aware of the challenges ahead against former Scarlet Nic Cudd at the Judgement Day clash; “I know Nic quite well. I’ve played against him a few times at Premiership level. He’s a very good player.  I’m looking forward to the challenge if we’re both selected.

“We have two of the best 7s in the world in Wales at the moment in Warburton and Tipuric. Nic Cudd also as we’ve mentioned and James Benjamin is doing quite well at the Dragons, you’ve also got Josh Navidi – the list goes on! Wales is lucky to have some good players in that position.”

Scarlets take on Newport Gwent Dragons at the Millennium Stadium in the third installment of Judgement Day on Saturday 25^th April, kick-off 4.45pm.