Six Nations 2013: Jonathan Davies says Wales can handle pressure
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Centre Jonathan Davies believes Wales will thrive in the pressure cooker of their Six Nations decider against England in Cardiff on Saturday.
England's 18-11 win over Italy means they are playing for the Grand Slam, but a Welsh win by eight points would see them snatch the title.
"When the pressure is put on us we just thrive on it," said Davies.
"This group of players are used to a big-game environment," added the 24-year-old Scarlets centre.
Interim head coach Rob Howley's side had a disappointing run of eight Test defeats, including a home loss to Ireland in the opening match of the tournament.
However, successive away wins against France, Italy and Scotland have put the defending champions back in the title hunt.
"The fact that people wrote us off after the first game, to come back with three away wins, the boys were extremely pleased with that," said Davies.
"We understood that we could cause problems in this Championship and do very well."
And Davies feels the team's ability to cope with the pressure of crucial matches will aid them when fronting up to Lancaster's men.
"We've been in these big games before and we have experience in them," said Davies.
"We have experience from last year's Grand Slam and the semi-final in the World Cup."
Davies was a key member of Wales' 2012 Grand Slam team, crossing twice in the opening game victory against Ireland in Dublin.
He scored his ninth international try in the 26-9 win against Italy in this year's campaign, and expects Wales to approach the game as they would any other Test match.
"It's an exciting week ahead and we just have to make sure that we do everything we can to be ready for it," he said.
"We know what to expect and we are just going about our business normally and keeping our heads down.
"We need to trust our defensive pattern and make sure that we keep doing what we have been doing in the last three games."
Wales are at home for the first time since the opening weekend of the tournament, and Davies hopes the Welsh crowd will play their part as well.
"Cardiff is the best place to play rugby in the world," he said. "I am sure there will be an amazing atmosphere at the [Millennium] Stadium."
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man for man i think the two sides are v close, on the day one flash of brilliance will probably decide it, cant wait
ignore the ref stuff its rubbish, and anyway a lot of decisions he makes are based on touch judge views not his
Wales by 3
@165 ... And look where that got Mr Robinson ....
On a serious note though, the atmosphere at the millennium has changed (for the worse IMO ) over the last 5 years or so ...
There isn't as much singing as there used to be, and as for the booing kickers .. Simply discraceful.
I would very much like to see the ground return to the old atmospheric conditions ....
It certainly wont be close!
It will be right up there. If they manage to do it, it will be an incredible achievement.
But if England beat what is a good Wales team away from home with all the pressure that they have placed on themselves after the Italy game then they will FULLY deserve the GS.
Hopefully everyone can say well done to them if so and vice verca
Ah Hersh so it will be a devalued 6 nations even if England win it !!
Thats a change from it being poor in 05, 08, & 2012
I must remember that one lol
Talented Celts vs well-organised Saxons is a bit of an outdated cliche. England have plenty of talent, but are typically younger and, less-developed than their Weslh counterparts.
Not exactly the standard of a Welsh bard, Thor, but we appreciate your effort to handle the English (or any) language. Well done, that man!
GS to 5th, GS to 4th. Just the sort of 'consistency' their coaches were asking for no doubt.
Still as long as you beat Eng, eh? Who really cares?
- being at home
- being current 6N Champs/GS winners
- not wanting to be the first Welsh side ever to concede a GS to England in Cardiff
- the more experienced side
- the more successful side
among other possible reasons...
Not saying I agree with any of that, mind, just offering a possible answer to your question.