Lions 2013: Jonathan Davies says no extra pressure for decider 
By Bryn Palmer BBC Sport in Sydney British and Irish Lions centre Jonathan Davies insists he feels no extra pressure to perform in Saturday's Test series decider against Australia after being selected over Brian O'Driscoll.
With the return of Jamie Roberts, Davies switches to the outside centre's number 13 jersey worn by O'Driscoll in eight of the Lions' last 11 Tests.
"I wouldn't say there is pressure [on me]," said the 25-year-old.
"I am just grateful for the opportunity to play in such a big game."
He added: "There is a lot of pressure on everyone. Everyone has to deliver. We are in the last chance saloon, and we have got to win it."
Most minutes played on tour (after nine games)
425 - Jonathan Davies 379 - Jamie Heaslip 375 - Alun Wyn Jones 355 - Dan Lydiate 353 - George North Davies revealed O'Driscoll, who was left out of the squad for the final Test of his fourth Lions tour, was swift to offer his congratulations despite his own disappointment
"Brian is one of the greats with what he has achieved in the game, and I was very grateful he came up and congratulated me," said Davies. "But that is the way the whole squad has been. Everyone has been very close and together."
Scarlets centre Davies has played 29 of his 36 Tests alongside Roberts for Wales, a national record, including all 10 matches in the last two victorious Six Nations campaigns.
They have also featured twice together previously on this tour, including against New South Wales a week before the first Test, a match in which the Lions played their most fluent rugby of the tour.
But for Roberts's hamstring injury against the Waratahs, coach Warren Gatland has hinted the Welsh duo may have even started the first Test together.
"It is obviously a benefit that I have played a fair bit with him for our country," said Davies, who started the first two Tests in the inside centre role which Roberts will assume on Saturday.
"Jamie brings something different. He is a big, physical presence, gets over the gain-line and he has also been working hard after training on his skills.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments
(
Atom
)
Most minutes played on tour (after nine games)
425 - Jonathan Davies 379 - Jamie Heaslip 375 - Alun Wyn Jones 355 - Dan Lydiate 353 - George North Davies revealed O'Driscoll, who was left out of the squad for the final Test of his fourth Lions tour, was swift to offer his congratulations despite his own disappointment "Brian is one of the greats with what he has achieved in the game, and I was very grateful he came up and congratulated me," said Davies. "But that is the way the whole squad has been. Everyone has been very close and together." Scarlets centre Davies has played 29 of his 36 Tests alongside Roberts for Wales, a national record, including all 10 matches in the last two victorious Six Nations campaigns. They have also featured twice together previously on this tour, including against New South Wales a week before the first Test, a match in which the Lions played their most fluent rugby of the tour. But for Roberts's hamstring injury against the Waratahs, coach Warren Gatland has hinted the Welsh duo may have even started the first Test together. "It is obviously a benefit that I have played a fair bit with him for our country," said Davies, who started the first two Tests in the inside centre role which Roberts will assume on Saturday. "Jamie brings something different. He is a big, physical presence, gets over the gain-line and he has also been working hard after training on his skills. 