Rob Howley expects Gareth Davies to respond to the challenge of fit again scrum-half rival Rhys Webb.
Wales backs coach Howley insists there will be no friction between the inheritors to his old No.9 shirt now that Webb is back in the squad.
The Ospreys player was recalled today, ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash with England after just three matches back for his region.
But far from conceding the previous order is about to be restored, Howley hinted Wales may stick with Davies, who has scored six tries in just 12 Tests.
“The experience that Rhys brings is something any side will want in selection,” said Howley, who himself won 59 caps at scrum-half for Wales and played two Tests for the Lions.
“But Gareth has been going really well and played particularly well against France with that break. He is just going to learn more and get better.
“We are 100 per cent behind Gareth and what he has achieved. He has been fantastic.
“There is no substitute for speed or the ability to create breaks and that is what Gareth has done in abundance.
“He has been outstanding for us and people forget he is still relatively inexperienced at international level. His first start was against Uruguay in the World Cup and he has done exceptionally well.
“I said to Rhys that competition for places brings out the best as players, including Aled Davies and Lloyd Williams.
“It’s nice to have four young nines pushing the level of ability. They will make themselves do better given the competitions between them.
“It’s a selection issue when you are a coach that is nice to have. It’s not a headache and it’s important to have that quality in the team.”
Gatland names his team at 11am with lock Luke Charteris back in the mix after missing out against France with a knee injury while loosehead Gethin Jenkins hopes to overcome a calf problem to back up Rob Evans from the bench.
