Wales v South Africa: 'So far, so good' - Jonathan Davies confident of semi-final fitness
- Published
Jonathan Davies found it tough going as he watched Wales beat France in the 2019 World Cup quarter-finals
2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final: Wales v South Africa |
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Venue: International Stadium, Yokohama Date: Sun, 27 Oct Kick-off: 09:00 GMT |
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, plus text updates on the BBC Sport website and app. |
Jonathan Davies says he is on course to play in Wales' World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Sunday.
The 31-year-old centre was hurt during the pool victory over Fiji on 9 October and missed Wales' 2019 quarter-final success against France.
Davies is due to line up against the Springboks after returning to fitness and being named in the side.
"I trained fully on Wednesday and there was no reaction, so it's so far, so good," said the Scarlets star.
Davies had been named in the initial side to start against France, but pulled out before the game after failing to come through the final training session.
The Scarlets centre has again been named in the starting side against the Springboks in Yokohama.
Davies is more upbeat after initially admitting he feared the worst after suffering a knee injury that threatened his World Cup campaign.
"I am confident in it, and I was just glad the scans came back all clear and I've been able to push on and get back fit," said Davies.
"It was sore when he [Wales doctor] was testing it [during the Fiji game], and I did fear the worst to be honest.
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"I would like to think I know my own body quite well, and I did have a bad feeling. Thankfully, I don't know it too well! It was good news with the scan.
"On the morning of the [France] game, me and Prav [Mathema, Wales' national medical manager] did a few drills to see if I could get up and running, but I could tell I wasn't right.
"Prav could see it as well, and it was a case of everyone has worked too hard for me to go into the game selfishly, just to play in a quarter-final.
"We made a decision that it was probably best for the team if I didn't play.
"Thankfully, the boys got the job done, but it was absolutely savage watching. It was terrible."
The British and Irish Lions centre will be a key part of Wales' bid to reach a first World Cup final as he resumes his tried-and-tested midfield partnership with Scarlets colleague Hadleigh Parkes.
Davies' last World Cup?
Davies was ruled out of the entire 2015 World Cup because of a knee ligament injury sustained while playing in France for Clermont Auvergne.
"After being injured for the last World Cup, my goal was to make the next one, and I have loved being out here," he added.
"I have been able to get back in the team and hopefully be part of something extremely special.
"There is a lot of belief in this squad - we've competed against and beaten some great teams - so we have to make sure now that there are two more 80 minutes left in us to get to what all this work is about."
At 31, Davies could struggle to make the next World Cup and he acknowledges he is not alone.
"I heard a stat that the team that faced Australia [last month] was the oldest Wales team named at a World Cup," Davies said.
"I am not saying that we are Dad's Army, but I don't know if we are going to have another shot at a World Cup. Everything has been put into this.
"It is not just about the senior boys giving the youngsters confidence. Those young boys are able to come in and say 'yes, I'm used to beating these teams'.
"That gives us confidence in them. It has been a great dynamic, and this group has flourished over the last 18 months to two years.
"It's going to be a big one on Sunday. It's down to us 23 boys to go out there and make sure that we are still fighting for another week."