Friday 16 October 2015 12:44, UK
Jonathan Davies looks ahead to Wales' World Cup quarter-final showdown with South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday...
My horse Potters Corner had another run on Wednesday, this time up at Wetherby Racecourse. Unfortunately he didn't win which was disappointing but I found myself relieved to see him come away from it without any injuries, so at least I can say I know how it feels to be Warren Gatland.
I've never seen anything like what the Wales squad is going through with injuries at the moment. Thankfully the forwards have been largely unaffected but us backs have been falling apart!
The challenge for Jamie and Tyler will be colossal, but as I've said before in columns, when you're a sportsman it's the big challenges you seek out because they're the ones that give you the most satisfaction.
One thing that has stood out for me is that when I've spoken to the guys about those injuries they refuse to moan about it. They realise it's a part of the game and move on. It's never an excuse as far as they are concerned.
Disruption during a tournament is unhelpful, but it gives an opportunity to the younger guys to show their worth. Tyler Morgan is fairly new to the Wales setup but he impressed me a lot against Fiji. I thought he straightened the line well, which offered space for the outside backs to exploit.
If Wales are going to make a semi-final in this year's World Cup, he will have to do the same against a formidable Springbok midfield.
I remember my start in international rugby, I was like a deer in the headlights in the build up to it. Everything you do is familiar, but at the same time feels so different. Fortunately for Tyler he has two experienced decision-makers to help guide him this week and in the game.
First there's Dan Biggar, who has really come to the fore in Wales' World Cup campaign. Despite being relatively young he is happy bossing around players with 80 to 100 caps to their name, which shows maturity and confidence in what he is capable of doing.
Then there's Jamie Roberts at second receiver. As a general rule I don't like to say anything nice about Jamie, especially not in print where it can be laminated and framed, but there's nobody better to guide Tyler through what will be a very tense week.
If I could offer any advice to Tyler it would be that he's been picked due to his talent, and that he should trust that on the day and back himself to make an impact.
The two players in the South African centre are shaping into a dangerous partnership. They're both young but seem happy and comfortable on the big stage. The challenge for Jamie and Tyler will be colossal, but as I've said before in columns, when you're a sportsman it's the big challenges you seek out because they're the ones that give you the most satisfaction.
One thing Wales have got going for them this weekend is that they beat the Springboks in November last year. That win came at a very difficult time for us because we were being told we were incapable of beating the 'big three', so it was very rewarding to get that win.
Now there are players in the team who have experience in what it takes to beat the Boks, and that will come in handy when the game gets down to the final ten minutes.
I was lucky enough to play in that win, and the way it was won was not through anything spectacular, just basics. When Wales are on song it's because our defence is solid, and our line speed that day was spot on.
If Wales can do the same this weekend and shut down the threat of that midfield before they can unleash the likes of Bryan Habana and Willie le Roux, our boys are in with a shout to win it.
There are a few South African's here at Clermont, but I don't think I will watch with them because I'd be a bit outnumbered! Plus I've been known to react to both the good and the bad in the heat of the moment, so it's possibly better to watch alone or with some neutrals.
Either way I'm backing the guys to come away with the win. It will be tough, but I know they will work their socks off for those 80 minutes. Time will tell if that's enough to get us into a semi-final.
