Wales vs Scotland, Six Nations: Jonathan Davies rubs shoulders with a legend on day of 50th cap

‘It’s humbling,’ says centre of Gibbs comparison as he leads Wales against Scots

(2016 Getty Images)

As if being named after one his country’s greatest rugby stars was not baggage enough, Jonathan Davies had to contend with being dubbed “the new Scott Gibbs” from a young age. He overtook his namesake in Wales caps some time ago and by the end of this campaign, the 27-year-old is set to draw level with that other Welsh legend.

Today against Scotland the centre celebrates a personal milestone with his 50th cap, having out-grown the comparisons to become a name in his own right.

“I’m not a shouter or screamer but perhaps this one will catch me off guard” said Davies. “I sometimes get emotional when singing the anthem but I like to keep it in check by thinking I’m there to do a job. I’m not one to reflect but it’s humbling to reach this number. I grew up watching Scott Gibbs and especially his try against England at Wembley in 1999.

“I thought Tana Umaga was a great centre also. Those two were the centres I looked up to, but what I realised is you have to be yourself and can’t imitate people. I had my own strengths and worked hard on my weaknesses.”

Davies will lead Wales out under the roof of the rebranded Principality Stadium today in front of 74,000 souls. It’s a far cry from his first Test appearance in front barely 8,000 curious onlookers at Toronto’s York University in 2009.

“We turned up the day before the game and they were still putting up the temporary stands,” Davies recalled. “Tom James was on the back of the bus and said, ‘Can you imagine winning your first cap here!’ Thankfully I’ve gone on to get a few more.”

He was among four debutants, including Sam Warburton, while Wales were grateful that day for 22 points from the boot of Dan Biggar in a flawless kicking show.

This week the only thing ice-cool about the fly-half has been the boot he wore day and night on his badly sprained ankle in order to be able to face the Scots today.

Davies has come through his own injury problems, missing the World Cup with damaged knee ligaments, but is steadily getting back to full Test sharpness.

“I was tired towards the end [in last week’s draw against Ireland] and it’s just making sure I get back up to speed and confident on the ball,” he said. “We were too lateral last week, so one thing I have to do is organise the back line. We have such threats and it’s making sure we utilise them.”

Wales aim to be more direct, and Davies, who plays for under-achieving French giants Clermont-Auvergne, has a point to prove to Warren Gatland after the Wales coach claimed few players were better for playing in France.

“He would say that,” said Davies. “It’s difficult because you can’t rate it, but the experience broadens your ideas from mixing with different coaches and players. There’s not just one way to play.

“Last year I played in a European Cup final, though I’d be the first to admit I haven’t played as well as I’d have liked out there.”

Scotland are without a win in Cardiff for 14 years and arrive on the back of their worst run in the Championship since the 1950s– eight successive defeats. Saracens centre Duncan Taylor is the only change from the defeat to England, coming in for the injured Matt Scott.

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter said: “We’ve worked hard to improve accuracy under pressure after a frustrating opening game against England. We created opportunities that could have been capitalised upon, and converted into points.

“As a team we know we can perform better and believe we’re capable of making improvements all over the park.”