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'I had a missed call from Gats - he said 'can you jump on a plane tomorrow?''
Bradley Davies was set to play a PRO14 game in Belfast last week before a missed call from Wales boss Warren Gatland drastically changed his plans.
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Davies is settling into life with Wales’ World Cup squad after flying to Japan as replacement for an injured Cory Hill at the Rugby World Cup.
Dragons lock Hill could not recover from a stress fracture in his leg, so 65 times-capped Ospreys forward Davies was summoned.
“I was pretty rushed last week, to be fair,” Davies said, at Wales’ lakeside base in Otsu.
Wales' improvement in the last 18 months was exemplified by their ability to close out a game that historically, they would have more than likely lost, says @OwainJTJones https://t.co/5Xua1hkCnA
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 30, 2019
“I was in Ospreys training preparing for the Ulster game. I had just finished in the gym, and I had a missed call from ‘Gats’. I guessed then – unless I had done something really bad!
“I called him back and he said ‘can you jump on a plane tomorrow?’ I went home, kissed my wife and kids goodbye and was straight in the car.”
Davies, 32, missed out on a place in Wales’ Word Cup squad, but he will offer considerable experience provided by a 10-year Test career.
“It was disappointing not to get picked at the start, but I think the way the summer went for me, I didn’t get a chance to put my best foot forward,” he added.
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“I didn’t train as much as the other boys, so I deserved not to be picked, to be honest with you.
"We're gonna win the World Cup!" ???????
Welsh fans have a message for @jimhamilton4 and the World after famous win over Australia. #RugbyWorldCup #AUSvWAL pic.twitter.com/WuLfgSDkyQ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 29, 2019
“We’ve got some really good second-rows. But I know that second-row is a difficult position to play and something always happens, someone goes down. My mindset was to go back, keep fit and see how it goes.”
With Hill struggling and Adam Beard recovering from an appendix operation, Wales’ second-row resources in Japan have been tested.
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“There was talk that (former Wales internationals) Bob Norster and Derwyn Jones were coming out!” Davies joked.
“All the other boys will say I’m lying, but I think it (second-row) is one of the toughest positions on the field.
“It’s not very glamorous, and you have to put your head where it hurts a lot of the time. A lot of us are big heavy men as well.”
Davies’ renowned sense of humour has made him a popular member of Welsh squads down the years, and the World Cup promises to be no exception.
“I used to be on the joke of the day (committee) about 10 years ago, but I was kicked off that because I was too controversial,” he said.
Gareth Davies is the interception King ?
And he’s been getting up to some mischief… ??@WelshRugbyUnion ???????#RWC2019 #AUSvWAL #RWCTokyo pic.twitter.com/8U4yvl3Wjl
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 1, 2019
“I’ve done fines in the past, but I’ve been kicked off that. I’m just a joker on the bus, really, and sometimes I have to stand up and juggle so the boys can have a laugh.
“I’ve been around the squad a long time, so I’ve got a place at the back of the bus just heckling people. That’s my role.
“The massive thing that I will probably miss after rugby is the camaraderie and coming to training every day.
“You could think you’ve got the best haircut in the world, but as soon as you walk through the door, the boys abuse you and you feel terrible! They are asking you when you are going back to have your haircut finished.
“It’s an unforgiving environment in that sense, but it’s great and the boys get on well. We have a great laugh.
“But it’s always underpinned by how hard we train on the field. Once we cross that white line, we train harder than anybody.”
Watch: Joseph in demand after Ireland win
Comments on RugbyPass
I think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
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