Davies ‘shock’ at selection for Fiji clash

WALES flanker James Davies admits he was “a little bit shocked” to be selected for tomorrow’s World Cup clash against Fiji.

Davies will join his brother – centre Jonathan – in the starting lineup for a game that will see Wales reach the quarter-finals if they win.

It will be back-row forward Davies’ World Cup debut, replacing Justin Tipuric.

And he brought a smile to Wales boss Warren Gatland’s face by telling his head coach he had “seen the light” by picking him.

“It was a bit tongue in cheek,” Davies said.

“Firstly, I would like to say ‘Tips’ and all the back-row have been outstanding in my eyes, and I was a little bit shocked to get the call.

“But like Warren said, I believe in myself and now I’ve got the chance to show that.

“I have just worked hard, really, every training session.

“You get disappointed with selection, but it’s about doing your best for the team then.

“You working hard makes the team train a bit better, and that’s just what I’ve done, I guess.”

The Davies brothers are Wales’ first set of siblings to feature in a World Cup game since Scott and Craig Quinnell 20 years ago.

And James Davies will face Fiji following his appearance against them in Great Britain colours during the 2016 Rio Olympics rugby sevens final.

“They gave us a tuning in the sevens in that final,” Davies added. “Just look at the players they’ve got – they are so talented.

“You give them time and space, and everyone from number one to number 15 is a massive threat.

“We’ve got things in place to try and stop that, and it’s just about implementing the game-plan now.”

James Davies is one of two changes in the Wales’ starting XV against Fiji, with Ross Moriarty replacing Aaron Wainwright at No.8. Prop Rhys Carre comes in on the bench instead of Nicky Smith.