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What Lions omission Jonathan Davies is focused on
Jonathan Davies was disappointed to miss out on a third British and Irish Lions tour but is focused on getting Wales ready for the summer internationals, not a potential late call-up to face South Africa.
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The Scarlets centre was a surprise omission from Warren Gatland’s squad despite being voted player of the series by his team-mates in New Zealand four years ago.
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac helped soften the blow by giving Davies the captaincy – in the absence of regular skipper Alun Wyn Jones – for the Tests with Canada and Argentina next month.
England prop Kyle Sinckler has already seen his anguish turn to joy after an injury to Ireland’s Andrew Porter saw him added to the Lions squad, but that is not on the agenda of the 33-year-old from Carmarthenshire.
“Whatever happens, if there are injuries or not, my focus is with Wales,” Davies said from a training camp in North Wales.
“I want to make sure I give the best account of myself in the Welsh jersey in upcoming weeks. Whatever happens past that is out of my control. All I am focusing on is what I can control.
“Obviously I was disappointed not to be involved. The Lions has been probably one of the highlights of my career and the opportunity to go on a third tour would have been lovely but that is not to be.
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“My focus changes now to make sure I am doing everything I can to prepare myself and the group for the upcoming summer series.”
Pivac included five uncapped players in his 34-man group but added another when Cory Hill was released from the squad to complete a shock move to an unnamed Japanese side from Cardiff Blues.
Hill’s absence, coupled with that of the 10-strong Wales contingent away with the Lions including captain Wyn Jones, puts added onus on the role of Davies.
But he added: “It is a huge honour to represent your country and to be asked to captain it is another honour as well.
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“I have done it once before but to have added responsibility for this whole campaign is extremely exciting. I am really looking forward to it all and enjoying that bit more responsibility in and around the group.
“It will be a demanding three or four weeks in camp but we want to be tested and we want to keep growing for the World Cup in 2023. That has been clear message from Wayne, he wants to see us get uncomfortable and see how we react so the games will be exciting.”
Another boost for Wales is 8,200 fans will be present inside the Principality Stadium for each Test this summer, starting with Canada’s visit on July 3 and the double-headers with Argentina later in the month.
For some in the squad, like Dragons lock Ben Carter, it will represent the first time they have played in front of supporters after being handed debuts for their regions during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It is exciting to have the fans back. I am sure that eight thousand will make plenty of noise and it will be good to hear,” Davies said.
“To see people come back to watch rugby is great. It is an opportunity for boys to experience a bit of atmosphere in the stadium because some haven’t had that as they have been capped during Covid times. It is an opportunity for everyone to get that buzz back in the stadium.”
Manchester United fan Davies also had a message of support for the Wales football team at Euro 2020, who face Denmark in the last 16 at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday night.
He added: “We are actually allowed home this weekend but I am sure we will all be watching it in our living rooms. I have read fans are trying to get to Amsterdam but they are not quite getting behind enemy lines, I think.
“I haven’t spoken to any of the boys, but they are doing well. Hopefully we can get another result on Saturday.
“A lot of boys here love football and we are backing them the best we can. It’s great to see any Welsh side do well.”
Comments on RugbyPass
SBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
3 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,
11 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?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
11 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
3 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
11 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
11 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
11 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
11 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
11 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
11 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
11 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
11 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
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