Time to make Davies your leader, Shane urges Pivac

Legend says Scarlets ace should be summer skipper

JONATHAN Davies is the man to lead Wales into battle against Argentina and Canada this summer.

That’s the view of Wales legend Shane Williams, who believes Wayne Pivac should make full use of the centre’s pedigree and experience after he missed out on the Lions squad to tour South Africa.

An injury-plagued two years ultimately cost the Bancyfelin man a place in Warren Gatland’s party to face the Springboks, but he will be one of the key men Pivac will look to in this summer’s three home internationals.

In his latest column for The Rugby Paper, the legendary wing writes: “I would make Jon captain.

“I think he is the obvious choice with Alun Wyn Jones away leading the Lions and players like Ken Owens and Justin Tipuric in South Africa, too.

“Jon is a hugely experienced player and already a leader in the Wales set-up.

“He has captained the side before so knows what he is doing.

“My view is he’s exactly the sort of figure the younger players who will be coming into the set-up for the first time can learn from.”

Cory Hill and Ellis Jenkins co-skippered Wales in Argentina in 2018, with Hill expected to be available for the forthcoming home Tests against Argentina and Canada.

Others who could be in the frame are the back-row pair of Josh Navidi and Aaron Wainwright.

But Williams feels Davies (circled, left), who has been playing international rugby since 2009, is the “natural candidate” to wear the armband. Meanwhile, the Scarlets have signed Argentina back-row ace Tomas Lezana.

The 27-year-old makes the move from Western Force in Perth. Lezana has 39 caps to his name and is seen as a readymade replacement for Jac Morgan, who has made the switch to the Ospreys. Regarded as a strong ball carrier, he can play at either blindside or openside flanker. Lezana made his international debut against France in Paris in 2014 and came off the bench in Argentina’s famous victory over the All Blacks last year. “We are delighted to have secured the signing of Tomas for next season,” said general manager of rugby Jon Daniels. “Tomas has played at the top level with the Pumas and also has huge experience in Super Rugby. He is someone who will give us an extra carrying threat.”