JON HELL OF A CLASH
Jonathan Davies backed to come out on top of heavyweight duel with Jonathan Joseph
JAMIE ROBERTS has backed Lions king Jonathan Davies to make a splash at Bath time.
The Welsh midfield star goes up against England ace Jonathan Joseph tonight in Llanelli, where Scarlets must beat Bath to stay in Champions Cup contention.
But Roberts – Wales’ most-capped centre – has faith in Davies keeping the flag flying for the Principality.
“We have played together near enough 50 times for Wales, so nobody needs to tell me what a quality player Jon is,” said Roberts.
“He was Lions player of the series in New Zealand and deserved all the accolades that came his way.
“There is no doubt that he and JJ are the two best 13s in the country, so for both this is a huge test.
“But fingers crossed Scarlets get the job done. They are playing a great attacking brand and their success has been great for Welsh rugby.”
Davies grew up watching Llanelli reach three European Cup semi-finals in the 2000s and knows Pro12 glory last season is no guarantee of a return to those heady times. “We are comfortable in how we play and the expectation that is now on us,” he said.
“But you are judged on big European nights.”
Roberts, who has a European Cup date of his own on Sunday, with Harlequins at Wasps, aims to renew his Wales partnership with Davies this autumn.
Devastated to miss out on Lions selection, the 30-year-old said yesterday that the setback had reignited the fire in his belly.
“The disappointment of not getting on that tour was a kick up the backside and a wake-up call,” he said. “It was the first major tour I’d really missed out on in my career.
“I could have no complaints because I didn’t deserve to be there. You have to do your talking on the pitch and I didn’t play well enough.
“But being asked to captain Wales in the summer revitalised me. We did well, I thrived on the responsibility and I’ve come back feeling the fittest I have in a few years.”
The question is whether Roberts has enough left in the tank to reach his century of caps. He is on 96, including three with the Lions.
“It’s a goal, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t,” he added.
“I’m not just sitting back expecting it to happen. I’m 31 next month, but I feel 28 or 29 – and I’ve played every game for Quins this season.”