Kuridrani relishing battle with ‘world-class’ Davies

JONATHAN DAVIES is one of the best centres in the world — according to his opposite number for Saturday’s Australia Test, Tevita Kuridrani. The Lions man of the series will win his 64th Wales cap in Cardiff, facing the Wallabies’ star outside centre who scored a hat-trick against Japan last weekend. It is a battle of the titans in midfield with Kuridrani, at 6ft 4in and 16st 1lb, against Davies, 6ft 1in and 16st 5lb. And the man they call the ‘K-train’, due to his powerful style, is relishing that contest. ‘Wales always have a big midfield,’ said Kuridrani. ‘One of the biggest challenges for me this weekend is playing against Jonathan Davies. He is a world-class player. ‘I watched a couple of his games in the Lions series and he is one of those centres who has everything; running, kicking, he is very skilful and I really rate him.’ Wales head coach Warren Gatland is keen to employ dual playmakers in midfield this autumn, and may turn to Owen Williams at centre, moving away from his traditional style of having a big No 12 to smash over the gain line. It was a tactic that worked for the Lions in New Zealand, with Owen Farrell and Jonathan Sexton dovetailing. But Kuridrani does not feel Wales will suddenly revolutionise their game. ‘We are expecting the same thing from Wales,’ he added. ‘They are direct, physical and try to match us up on the front line. All the northern hemisphere teams are like that.’