Davies has timed Lions run to perfection, says Pivac

WALES centre Jonathan Davies is producing Lions form at the perfect time. That is the view of Davies’ regional coach Wayne Pivac as the clock ticks down towards departure date for New Zealand.

Davies produced an outstanding all-round display at the heart of the Scarlets’ 40-17 thumping of the Ospreys last weekend, scattering defenders with his powerful running, hitting hard in defence and playing a key role in a couple of the home tries.

After a stuttering start to his muchanticipated return to Llanelli from Clermont Auvergne, Davies has looked more like the player who starred in a Lions jersey in Australia four years ago, where he memorably earned the nod ahead of Irish icon Brian O’Driscoll for the pivotal final Test.

And with a crunch Guinness PRO12 semi-final to come against Leinster in Dublin next Friday, Pivac is delighted by the way his midfield ace is performing.

“Jon had a slow start, which he will admit; he took a little bit of time to get back into the style of game we play compared to what he’s been playing in France,” said the New Zealander.

“It’s probably a slightly different job description for him, but he’s really hitting his straps at the right time of the season.

“I’m thrilled for him because a lot of people have been saying it, you know, should he be on the Lions tour?

“I think now he’s shown the form that could prove to be very important, not just for ourselves in the coming weeks but for the Lions as well.”

Competition will be stiff for the No. 13 jersey with no real outstanding candidate heading into the tour.

England’s Jonathan Joseph, Ireland duo Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne and the versatile Elliot Daly will offer options, but if Davies can replicate his form of 2013, head coach Warren Gatland could well turn again to the Scarlet.