By Steffan Thomas
The versatility tag has been a hindrance for many players, but Seb Davies believes it can help him add to his 13 Wales caps.
Davies began his career as a second row but has developed into a utility forward who is now able to play blindside flanker, and No 8. Many versatile players in the past have been labelled as a jack of all trades and a master of none, but Davies has embraced his utility tag and is hoping it can push him forward to new heights.
“I do quite enjoy the versatility tag,” said the 25-year-old.
“A lot of the second rows are just second rows but if there’s a lot of injuries in the back row then I can slot in there as well. In that way, it benefits me.
Let it be said, @Cardiff_Rugby have come to play! 🤩
Theo Cabango from inside his own half, finished with a magnificent step! 💫
What a showing we’re seeing here at The Stoop!#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/ei7RAAJpkw
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 18, 2021
“I’m pretty happy to be a second-row first but also someone who can play in the back row. I’m pretty comfortable with that.
“There’s not too much difference between both positions, the only different thing is the scrum. I’m always going to be involved in the lineout because I’m tall, and I get up in the air well.
“The only difference is the scrum and that’s not too big of a change.”
Cardiff star Davies is a player who has been blessed with physical attributes, but also has the skill set of a back and is equally as comfortable in the wide channels as he is in the tight. And he insists his style of play can thrive in the high tempo game Wayne Pivac and Stephen Jones want to play with Wales.
“Yes, I think so,” said Davies when asked if Wales’ style under Pivac suits him better than the previous regime.
“It’s a high tempo game and I can move around the park really well. I’ve got good hands, so I think it suits me well.
“I’ve had a bit of game time with Wales this season which I was happy with. It’s going well and I’m pretty happy with how it’s going.
“I’m training well so I’m very pleased with how things are going at the moment.”
We can confirm all players and staff caught in quarantine following last month’s trip to South Africa have now returned to Wales.
The majority of the squad resume training at Cardiff Arms Park today.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us through this challenging period. pic.twitter.com/j0HRZhEqAl
— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) December 20, 2021
Cardiff’s squad has been decimated during the opening two rounds of the Heineken Champions Cup, with 42 players and staff having to isolate for 10 days in London after returning from South Africa. Davies insists the young players who have been exposed to playing both Toulouse and Harlequins respectively will stand the club in good stead moving forward.
“I thought Jacob Beetham played very well as did Theo Cabango,” he said.
“Obviously, Jacob got sent off but things like that happen. They transitioned and did very well out on the field, and they’ve got a big future in the game.
“I was really proud of all of the boys’ efforts. As the front five, we were middle of the field defence and there were some big shots going in.
“There was a lot of good talk, and I was very proud of the boys. The boys who have been here for a while, as well as the boys coming in, did fantastically well.”
