BEPPU, 7 Oct - James Davies reacted to getting his first World Cup start by cheekily congratulating coach Warren Gatland for having "finally seen the light".

The flanker is one of two changes in the back row for Wednesday's Pool D game against Fiji at Oita Stadium where victory would qualify Wales for the quarter-finals.

"When I congratulated James and said well done, his reply was, 'You have finally seen the light, have you?' He said he was only joking," said Gatland, pictured above.
 
"I loved that. I thought it was brilliant, a great response. I love a bit of banter like that, and I have no problem with comments like that.
 
"It just says to me that players believe in their own ability, and they want to be in the squad and they think they are good enough to be in the starting side."

Davies replaces Justin Tipuric, who has been rested, while number eight Ross Moriarty will make his first start of the tournament with Aaron Wainwright dropping to the bench and the versatile Josh Navidi switches to blindside flanker.

Davies, 28, who has won five caps, will join older brother and centre Jonathan in the line-up and is relishing the chance to finally show his worth to his coach.

"It was a bit tongue-in-cheek," admitted Davies, known as one of the jokers in the Wales squad. "Firstly I’d like to say 'Tips' (Tipuric) and all the back row have been outstanding in my eyes and I was a little bit shocked to get the call. But, like he said, I believe in myself and now I've got the chance to show that.
 
"I’ve just worked hard really, every training session. You get disappointed with selection but it's about doing your best for the team then. You working hard makes the team train a bit better and that's just what I’ve done I guess."

Gatland said the back-row changes - the only ones to the side that started the opening two games - were very much with an eye on the rest of the World Cup with Wales on the cusp of a quarter-final against either France or England.

"We’ve been really happy with Justin Tipuric’s form but it’s an opportunity to look at someone else, just in case, for any reason, he does pick up an injury," said the New Zealander.

"It will show us whether James can fit into that spot or someone like Josh Navidi, we know he can play seven. With Ross, they’re two guys that are very hungry for an opportunity.

"Rhys Carre comes on to the bench as well so we’re just keeping everyone on their toes a little bit."

Gatland has also had a boost with fly-half Dan Biggar being passed fit after he failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) in the 29-25 victory over Australia.

The Wales coach is refusing to take Fiji lightly, despite knowing that even if Wales lose they would still qualify by seeing off Uruguay in their final game four days later. But he wants that top spot in the pool.

"It’s a big boost for us that Dan is fit. Having that experience is pretty important. He was fine the next day and he’s gone through all his protocols.

"It was good that we had that extended 10-day break before this game. He had a bit more time. We are in a good position and control our own destiny.

"The more they feel like they’re getting something out of the game, the more dangerous Fiji are. We have to negate that. They must be kicking themselves they lost to Uruguay.

"But it’s definitely about us imposing ourselves and making sure we’re smart and accurate in the way we play."

RNS ig/sg/djk/ajr/sw