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Wales v France: Jonathan Davies

Davies relishing French test

Centre Jonathan Davies believes Wales must have the confidence to express their talent against the French threat in their Rugby World Cup semi final showdown at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

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He says Wales must stop France from playing the way they want to but place a huge focus on playing the game the coaches have prepared them to play.

Davies says his teammates are now rested and excited about the prospect of the huge showdown game while keeping their feet firmly on the ground.

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He said: “We won’t back down, but we will always be wary of the French threat. They have a talented back line with a very dangerous back three who are all threatening with the ball in their hands so we will have to make sure our defence is very strong.

“But we have prepared well and we will have a lot of confidence following the way the boys have played in the pool games.

“The boys are really excited about what’s ahead and there’s been a great feeling in camp for the last few weeks. Now we just want the game to come around.”

He spoke of his disappointment for injured Rhys Priestland but is looking forward to playing his rugby inside James Hook.

Davies declared: “It is sad for Rhys especially after the way he has played so well in the tournament so far, but it gives an opportunity to Hookie now. After all the time this group has spent together over the past few months we are pretty tight not so a great sense of understanding has grown between us.

“A lot of things went really well last weekend against Ireland but there are parts of our play we have to improve on. We have trained well and worked hard and that has created a buzz around the squad which means we are now trying to keep our feet on the ground.”

He said a squad day off from training on Tuesday was a good opportunity to recover from the affects of a gruelling training schedule.

“We’ve been flogging our bodies for a while now but after a day off the boys woke up this morning all raring to go,” he said.

“Against France we have to have the confidence to express ourselves, savour the moment and make sure we execute all our game plans the best way we possibly can. It is great to know the stadium back home will be crowded for our game and its wonderful to know that people in Wales are right behind us. The boys are loving it.

“We’ll set out to do everything we can to make sure France have an off day but our focus must remain on our own game.”
 

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