Scarlets sensation ready to step up

Davies has been a star performer for the West Wales region in both this year's and last year's Magners League having made his senior debut at the beginning of the 2007/08 season.

The 21-year-old scored twice in his first two games for Wales on the summer tour of North America and was a second-half replacement during Friday night's win over Samoa in Cardiff.

with Blues veteran Tom Shanklin a possible absentee for Saturday's clash with Argentina due to a broken nose, Davies is being tipped to start for his country against the Pumas.

And while the loss of Shanklin would clearly be a blow for Wales and for Warren Gatland, Scarlets boss Nigel Davies believes his namesake is more than ready to fill the void.

"From my point of view he has done enough to deserve a start, but there is also tough competition there as well," said Nigel Davies.

"Jonathan has been playing very well for us. He is a real quality player, a physical specimen and is understanding the role of a No. 12 a lot better than he did a couple of years ago.

"I thought he came on at a tough time in the match on Friday night and did well. I think he is ready to play international rugby without a shadow of a doubt."

As for the young man himself, the thought of a his first senior start at the Millennium Stadium certainly whets the appetite, but the former Wales U-20 star won't be getting carried away with his progress any time soon.

Simply succeeding with both the Scarlets and Wales is a big enough achievement in just his third season of top-flight rugby, but a senior start would definitely go down a treat.

"I would love to start, but I am just glad to be getting these chances and some game time under my belt," said the young Scarlet.

"I am just enjoying playing for my country.

"I hope I have given Warren some selection issues, but you never know what is going to happen."