GARETH Davies and the Welsh squad are keen to put in a good performance against South Africa after a sub-par win over Japan.
Gareth Davies speaks at the @WelshRugbyUnion press conference.#Wales #Rugby #WRU pic.twitter.com/8X2XcJuw29
— Philip Marsh (@PhilipTSMarsh) 22 November 2016
Looking ahead to the game against the Springboks, Davies said: “We are treating this weekend like a cup final and want to come away with a win.
“It has been a tough couple of weeks, the autumn is always tough. To come away with three wins out of four, we would be happy with that.”
Scrum-half Davies didn’t want to detract from Japan’s efforts in their recent encounter.
He said: “You have to give Japan a lot of respect, we got away with the win which is the main thing.”
Neil Jenkins, former Wales fly-half and now skills coach, admitted Wales were not up to scratch against Japan but felt they were able to bounce back against South Africa.
Wales’ all-time leading points-scorer said: ”I think everyone agrees the performance last week wasn’t up to the standards of this team.
“It will be a very tough encounter on Saturday but we are capable of getting over the line.”
Wales remain 6th in the World Rugby rankings, with Saturday’s opponents South Africa one place above on 5th.
— BBC Wales Sport (@BBCWalesSport) 21 November 2016
Jenkins also discussed the current well-being of front row Gethin Jenkins and number eight Taulupe Faletau.
Faletau returned for Bath last weekend in his first game since September, playing 55 minutes against Bristol.
Jenkins said: “I think Toby is a ridiculously good rugby player. Looking at him in training you wouldn’t know he’s been out.”
He also commented on Gethin Jenkins’ fitness after he was substituted with a shoulder concern against Argentina.
“Gethin is a smart man and knows what it’s all about to play at this level, he’s trained today and he looks in good shape. “He should be fine for Saturday.”
Both Jenkins and Davies touched upon today’s news that Liam Williams has signed for Saracens.
Speaking before news of the signing was confirmed, Davies said: “We would love to keep Liam at Scarlets, he is one of the best attacking full backs in world rugby.”
Jenkins seconded Davies’s views by adding: “We want to keep our best players in Wales and Liam is certainly one of those so obviously we would love to keep him in Wales.
“If Liam goes, it does become an issue but at some point in time it becomes an opportunity for other players as well. We will look at it when it does happen, for us the key is to get the best players in Wales staying in Wales.”
After the press conference, it was confirmed that Liam Williams will join English champions Saracens on a two-year deal at the start of next season, ending his six-year spell in Wales.
