Banter between Davis and the French

 

Davies was on club duty last weekend and played a full match for Clermont Auvergne as they drew 13-13 with Racing Metro and the banter was flying around as the players went back to their respective international camps.

 

“After the game on Saturday there was a bit of banter with the boys who were going off to French camp and me coming back to Wales,” said Davies.

 

“It’s nice to have those relationships in rugby on the pitch. It’s good for the game, I like the camaraderie.”

 

The former Scarlets captain moved to French rugby at the beginning of the season and now plays alongside French playmakers Morgan Parra and Wesley Fofana.

 

He may have made 13 appearances for Les Jaunards this season, but Davies isn’t convinced that his inside knowledge will be of any help when he goes up against his teammates this weekend.

 

“I won’t be able to understand their French,” he joked.

 

“But it’s important as a whole unit that we prepare well and help each other as best we can.”

 

“We won’t be able to give too much away because they play in a different system and coaching set-up.

 

“We talk to our coaches about what they like to do, their strengths and possible weaknesses.

 

“But in Clermont’s case, they are some pretty good players.”

 

Fofana is man that Wales will have to watch carefully this weekend. The centre has 32 caps for France and is widely regarded as one of the best in the business.

 

The British and Irish Lion says that playing alongside the Frenchman has only confirmed what he already knew and he’s looking forward to the challenge of playing against him in Paris.

 

“I’m fortunate to play with Wes and I can’t say enough about him, he has it all,” explained Davies.

 

“I always held him in high regard but to be able to work with him, cements all your thoughts about him.

 

“It’s been good playing with him and I look forward to playing against him this week and enjoy a win hopefully.”

 

Wales have a good record against France in recent years, having come out on top in the last three meetings with Les Bleus.

 

But Davies is under no illusions that Wales face a big test if they are to extend that run of victories against France to four.

 

“It’s going to be a tough game, Paris is always an extremely tough place to go.

 

“We’ve had a decent run the last couple of years, but we know it’s going to be a tough ask to keep that run going.

 

“They’re passionate, they’ve got some great players and they’re probably a bit disappointed with their last result against Ireland.”