The Wales lock has had little luck recently, missing large parts of this campaign through injury. He suffered serious concussion when playing for Wales against New Zealand in November, an incident which left him with severe memory loss. Following his recovery, he then played just a handful of games before he sustained ankle ligament damage in a Blues training session, an injury which required surgery.
And after a season spent mostly on the sidelines, the 26-year-old is raring to go, starting with tomorrow evening’s visit to Parc y Scarlets. A place on this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour to Australia may be a step too far but Davies says his freshness at the end of a long season may be to his advantage.
“It’s nice to be out with the boys. I’m a bit rusty but hopefully I’ll get some game time at the weekend,” said Davies, who starts as a replacement.
“I just want to get back playing and get some 80 minute games behind my back.
“When I first got injured I thought I’d be out for the season but I watched the boys against the Ospreys and I couldn’t wait to get back playing.
“A lot of the boys are picking up injuries but I’m refreshed and as fit as I’ve ever been. I’m raring to go.
“I’ve had my off season in the toughest period so it could work in my favour a little bit. The season’s not over yet and there’s a big tour of Japan if I’m lucky enough to be selected. That’s my short term goal.”
Davies’ return is a big boost to the Blues ahead of the final Welsh derby of the season. While the Blues have little to play for, they could have a say in whether the Scarlets secure a top four place.
And following a convincing win for the Scarlets over Glasgow last Friday, Davies is aware of the threat posed by Simon Easterby’s side.
“It’s really exciting. I saw the Scarlets last weekend and they battered Glasgow so it’s going to be a tough challenge,” he said.
“It brings out the best in us though and it will be good to get back on the field.”
While Davies returns for the Blues, the Scarlets have received similar good news with Rhys Priestland fit enough for the bench following his recovery from Achilles surgery.
The Wales fly-half has missed all of 2013 following an injury sustained against Exeter Chiefs and like Davies, will be looking for game time in the last two matches of the regular season.
Priestland’s return aside, Easterby has stuck with 14 of the same line-up which started in the impressive win over Glasgow. The only change sees Josh Turnbull replacing the injured Johnathan Edwards in the back row.
Easterby said: “It’s another big night for our players as we keep up the pressure on those above us in the race for a play-off place.
“There can be no better showcase of the positives in Welsh regional rugby than this weekend’s game.
“To see the number of world-class players competing with pride on the field at Parc Y Scarlets just shows the valuable role regional rugby plays in supporting and promoting the best of Welsh rugby.”
With the Ospreys facing a difficult trip to Glasgow tonight and level on points with the Scarlets, it’s nip and tuck between the two Welsh regions as to who will finish in fourth spot.
“It’s so positive that as we near the end of the regular season, we have a fixture with this kind of profile,” said Easterby.
“We have built up some momentum in our last eight games and Saturday night’s challenge is going to be another big one for us.
“The Blues have some key internationals hitting form and with Lions selections imminent, I am sure players on both sides will come out of the blocks firing.
“We still sit in fifth but if we can get the eight points on offer, we have every chance.
“I’m sure there will be some twists in fortunes in the next few weeks and that’s why the semi-finals are great for keeping the season exciting for supporters and players.”
