SPORT We fear the threat of Davies, says Kuridrani
JONATHAN Davies has been identified as the Wales attacker Australia have to stop during Saturday’s autumn Test series opener at the Principality Stadium.
Wallabies ace Tevita Kuridrani is primed for a no-holds-barred midfield shoot-out with Davies after watching the centre named Lions’ player of the series during this year’s drawn Test series with World Cup holders New Zealand.
Fiji-born powerhouse Kuridrani spread terror among Welsh ranks last year with an explosive display during Australia’s 32-8 Bonfire Night demolition of Wales.
It was his second touchdown in three outings against Wales, the 26-year-old also proving unstoppable during a 33-28 humdinger in 2014.
But the big man admits he’s expecting Davies to pack a punch.
“I watched Davies play in the Lions series and he’s world-class. He’s good at everything, running, kicking and is very skilful. I really rate him,” said Kuridrani.
“Wales always have a big midfield, but the big challenge is playing against Davies. I haven’t before, so am looking forward to it.”
Kuridrani warned Davies, outsidehalf Dan Biggar and Test rookie Owen Williams, the Gloucester No.10 who is set to start at insidecentre, their defence would be severely tested.
“We will try and target the centre area as well as the 10-12 channel. It’s something we are working on, but we want to challenge everywhere,” he said.
Kuridrani expressed doubt Wales coach Warren Gatland would completely ditch the bish-bash approach of “Warrenball” despite probably employing two play-makers in midfield in Biggar and Williams.
“We are expecting the same thing. Northern hemisphere teams are always big and play direct and physical rugby. Wales will try and smash us up in the front-line.”
He dismissed Wales’ losing streak of 12 against Australia as giving the Wallabies a psychological advantage in the mental battle.
“I don’t look at it like that. It’s international rugby and it’s very tough playing against Wales, even though we have won those games. If we don’t turn up at the weekend, it’s anyone’s game,” insisted Kuridrani.
Gatland is ready to show faith in Leigh Halfpenny by keeping him in his favourite position of full-back, even though he preferred Liam Williams, who has been playing out wide for Saracens this season, in the No.15 jersey for the Lions last summer.
In-form Scarlets creator Steff Evans is poised to line up at left wing. with Biggar renewing his 2015 World Cup half-back partnership with Gareth Davies – Rhys Webb struggling with a knee injury.
It’s hoped Rob Evans will be passed fit to start at loose-head prop despite not having played since September because of concussion, with Exeter’s Tomas Francis at tight-head.
Gatland is set to favour Jake Ball as partner to captain Alun Wyn Jones at lock, while injuries to Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric, who has been battling to recover from a thigh strain, see Josh Navidi lined up for openside duty, with Scarlets Aaron Shingler at blindside.
Three uncapped players – Ospreys flanker Sam Cross, Dragons prop Leon Brown and Ospreys centre Owen Watkin – are expected to be joined on the substitutes’ bench by prop Nicky Smith, hooker Kristian Dacey, lock Cory Hill, scrum-half Aled Davies and wing or full-back Hallam Amos when coach Gatland officially unveils his side, an announcement which is due to take place tomorrow.
More build-up to the autumn internationals: Pages 40-43 PLUS Carolyn Hitt’s view: Page 22