Cubby could be a big star in Super Rugby no problem, says Cassiem
HE has cheerfully admitted to being only the fourth best rugby player to emerge from his village.
Mind you, when Delme Thomas, Mike Phillips and Jonathan Davies are among those who have rolled off the production line at the aforementioned hamlet, that’s hardly something to reproach himself over.
But Bancyfelin boy James Davies is special in his own right.
Last year, Opta published a statistic highlighting that the brother of Jonathan Davies had come up with 128 turnovers in 73 games since his Scarlets debut – an average of 1.8 a match – a breakdown performance putting him ahead of any other player in European rugby over that period.
The Olympic Games sevens silver medallist can also tackle, offload and run with the ball to such effect that he’s been deployed on the wing by the Scarlets during past emergencies.
It is an extraordinary skill set that’s delighted the 28-year-old’s many admirers out west over the years.
And it’s left a regional teammate, Uzair Cassiem, in no doubt that if ever the ‘Cubby Boi’ fancied a shot at Super Rugby he would crack the southern hemisphere’s much-hyped competition without a shadow of doubt.
“James is a great player who he’s shown over the years what he can do,” said Cassiem, capped eight times by South Africa and a former Super Rugby man himself.
“He’s a funny character off the field but there’s no question about his ability on it. “
Would he be a hit in Super Rugby? “Super Rugby would suit him better,” said Cassiem.
“There’s loads more space and it’s quicker.
“Especially in the outside channels with his skill set, he would be a huge asset.”
At Test level circumstances have conspired against the force of nature from Carmarthen.
Not only is there ferocious competition in his position, he has also suffered repeatedly from injuries, many of them untimely.
After the West Walian starred for Wales on their tour of the Americas last summer, Warren Gatland had been hoping to have a look at James ‘Cubby Boi’ Davies him in one of the big games Wales played during the autumn.
But Davies picked up knee ligament damage playing for the Scarlets against Benetton in the Guinness PRO14, putting his campaign on hold.
He then sustained a foot injury early in his comeback in December and hasn’t played for the Scarlets in 2019.
“The great thing with Wales now is they’ve grown a lot of depth and on any given day they have 10 or 11 loose forwards who can turn up and perform,” said Cassiem.
“James has had had a few bumps but with an injury-free run he can get back to his best.”
The good news for all concerned, except the Scarlets’ PRO14 rivals perhaps, is that Davies is expected back sooner rather than later, with a return scheduled for the match with Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park on March 22.
“We have a target of the Blues game for James to come back,” confirmed Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac. “Hopefully, that will be the case. “We’ll see how it goes.”
In Davies’ absence, the Scarlets have at least been able to give the highly regarded Dan Davis exposure.
The young No. 7, who used to play in the centre, has pace to burn and can be lethal in the wide channels. He still has a lot to learn, but he has improved at the breakdown as the season has gone on and is viewed as an X-factor player who is going to come through.
“I honestly think he has the goods to make it to the big stage,” said Cassiem.
“He’s still growing and there are a few things he can work on but he will make it.
“On the personal front, there’s loads to come from me. It’s been tough this season because as soon I’ve had a game or two and have begun to find some form there’s been another setback. I haven’t previously experienced a season where I’ve had so many injuries.
“But it’s rugby and we all know what we signed up for. It makes you mentally stronger.”