Ratti can be a big cheese for Wales – Davies

SEB Davies insists his “awesome” Cardiff teammate James Ratti can make a massive impact on the international stage.

Ratti was the shock selection in Wayne Pivac’s Wales squad for the Six Nations, with the 24-yearold having only recently converted from second row to No 8. But Davies is confident he can become a real asset to the Wales pack.

“I think he’ll do really well at Test level,” said Davies. “He carries nonstop for Cardiff. He’s a big man who is quick off the base, and is very physical with his carries.

“If he gets that chance then he’ll do well because he’s awesome.”

Davies was also named in Pivac’s squad last week and has been a regular in the Wales camp over the last five years without quite nailing down a starting spot. But with Alun Wyn Jones unavailable, and Will Rowlands having played just one game since returning from a concussion picked up in the autumn, Davies has emerged as the strong favourite to pack down alongside Adam Beard against Ireland in Dublin next month.

And the 25-year-old is adamant he is ready to cement his place as one of Wales’ first choice locks. He said: “I’ve been playing quite well for Cardiff. It’s obviously another step up playing for Wales but if given the chance I’d like to think I can step up, yes.

“My work-ons for the last couple of seasons is consistency. Sometimes, I’d play well one game, but maybe slip off the next.

“Last season and this season I’ve really tried to focus on becoming more consistent and performing week in week out. I’m in a good place at the moment.”

Wales will be without 680 caps-worth of experience when they travel to Dublin to face an Ireland side who famously beat

New Zealand in the autumn. And Davies has warned his teammates they will have to match the Irish physically if they are to come out on top.

He said: “It’s essential we bring that physicality. That’s the case in every game no matter what level. If your forwards have a good foothold it gives the backs a chance to attack.

“If our forwards aren’t really doing well the backs are going to struggle to get any gain-line.”