Davies ready to unleash frustrations on England
JAMES Davies is ready to play through the pain barrier and unleash his frustration on England as he bids to force his way into the World Cup frame following a catalogue of injuries.
The 28-year-old flanker was restricted to just eight appearances for the Scarlets last season because of a knee injury, which had to be fixed through surgery, and a subsequent abdomen muscle problem.
It meant he was unable to build on the action-packed man-of-thematch displays he delivered during Wales’ 2-0 rout of Argentina in June last year.
“You just want to kick on from being in a good place. It hasn’t happened, but that’s rugby, that’s sport, it’s about how you come over those hurdles and where you end up,” confided Davies.
“If you told me a month or two ago I’d be starting a Test for Wales I would have disagreed with you, but now I’m here and I am looking forward to it.”
Davies is battling against a back problem, explaining: “It’s ongoing really, nerve issues down the legs and stuff. It’s both the top and lower back. It’s one of those things, something I’m dealing with. It won’t hold me back,” he pledged.
Davies is on medication to help combat the pain, saying: “Throughout my career I have had an ability to deal with niggles and stuff. When you play openside you’re going to get knocks all the time.
But the three-times Wales cap, who had shoulder surgery two years ago, admitted: “This is one of the hardest injuries I’ve had to get over, but I’m in a good place mentally and
am sure it’ll be alright.
“Rugby is tough when you’re coming back from injuries – you get three games where you’ll either come through for a long period or you’ll pick up more injuries.
“That has been the case this year. It’s been a struggle, but I am pleased with where I am at now – I need to put that training into use now!”
Davies believes being a scavenger at the breakdown means it’s inevitable he has taken knocks.
“If you count how many contacts you have in the game, you’re going to have more when you’re jackaling,” he pointed out.
“You’re going to get smashed in positions you probably shouldn’t get smashed.
“That’s rugby at the end of the day, what you are paid to do and I will continue to do it as long as my body allows.”