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Cardiff - Wales scrumhalf Aled Davies believes Scarlets' PRO12 championship win has contributed to a more confident Welsh national side.
Davies was rewarded with a call-up to the Wales side after
an impressive season with the Scarlets. However, he believes he was unfortunate
not to be selected for their PR012 final win over Munster.
“I played a big part in a lot of the games for the Scarlets
throughout the season and even though I think I should have been playing more,
that’s just the way it is," Davies told the Daily Post.
The 24-year-old came off the bench to make his international
debut in Friday's 24-6 win over Tonga.
And with Gareth Davies having been called up to the British and Irish Lion squad, his namesake Aled is set to start a Test for the first time against Samoa in Apia this coming Friday.
And ahead of a potential debut for Davies, he believes the Scarlets' PRO12 success has had a ripple effect on the Wales national team.
“The success we had has given the boys a lift and I think the way we played our rugby has helped with the confidence in this Wales squad," Davies said.
Meanwhile, the number nine feels it is imperative that Wales play 'smart' rugby against Samoa and that their tactical kicking is accurate as Samoa can be dangerous on the counter-attack.
“Samoa are one of the most physical sides in world rugby. They won’t be messing around when we play them, so we’re going to have to be right on the money if we want to win.
“We’re going to have to play smart rugby, manipulate their defence and move them around the field. Hopefully that will tire them out.
“As a half-back in international rugby you can’t afford to kick loosely to any side these days. There are so many dangerous players around, and it’s the same with Samoa.
“If we do that, they’ll punish us and that’s why our core skills need to be accurate. This is a great squad to be involved in with a lot of young, exciting players.
“We play at our best when we play heads-up rugby. That’s what I’m trying to do - as well as bossing the forwards about - and if I do that hopefully I can challenge for a starting spot for the Samoa game.”
