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Davies and Wales target big finale

Wales' summer captain Jonathan Davies

Davies and Wales target big finale

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Wales captain Jonathan Davies has roused his team for one final effort after one of the longest, most remarkable seasons in rugby history.

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The country’s best players have been in almost constant action since last August meaning the current campaign has lasted nearly a year.

Wales started 2021 by claiming a Guinness Six Nations title and only a heartbreaking late defeat in France stopped Wayne Pivac’s side from sealing a Grand Slam.

Head coach Pivac has since seen his team hammer Canada and draw with Argentina this summer.

“We were extremely disappointed with the results in the autumn, but we knew we were starting to lay foundations for this group,” said Davies, who has captained Wales this summer.

“All that hard work came in for the Six Nations. We should have won a Grand Slam.

“We didn’t, but a Championship made up for that and with the number of boys missing in this campaign it’s given opportunity to some new boys against a very good team in Argentina.

“If we can win on Saturday, I think that will cap off a pretty good season for Welsh rugby. The boys understand the task at hand and it’s about making sure we do sign off on a good result.

“I’ve still thoroughly enjoyed this season and I spoke to the boys this morning about it being one last big effort.

“It’s the last training session and last game, but the last opportunity to put on your country’s jersey on Saturday. It’s very easy to get yourself up for a Welsh game.

“There is a lot of excitement in the group. We had a good session on Thursday, another one on Friday morning morning, and we’ve got to make sure we transfer that on to the park on Saturday afternoon.”

Wales have 13 of their best players unavailable due to the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa and injury so head coach Pivac has handed youth its chance this summer.

His team drew 20-20 with 14-man Argentina last weekend and will look to improve to challenge the Pumas for their rematch on Saturday.

Pivac has made seven changes with fly-half Jarrod Evans set for only his second Welsh start.

“We need to improve our discipline. Argentina came really hard in the contact area in the first Test,” said Davies.

“Our learnings are that we need to look after the ball, be ball-tough and don’t cough it up too easily.

“They made it a real contest at the breakdown. We need to make sure we take away those threats.

“They’re a strong team but we can gain confidence from the game.

“A lot of boys haven’t experienced that level of Test rugby. They’ll have learned from it and will know they can cope with the challenge of it. Hopefully, that will propel us to another level.

“All camp we’ve come together really well as a squad.

“It shows the confidence we have that we are able to make changes, give boys opportunities and still have the confidence that if we deliver our roles and execute, we can get a win and win the series.

“It would be great to win. It would be good to sign off what’s been a very long season with a series win against a very, very good team.

“Argentina have had some great results over the last 12 to 18 months and there is an opportunity for us to sign off for our break in the summer on a good note.”

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