SCOTLAND v WALES (Today, KO 2.30)

WALES centre Jonathan Davies knows that he will have to be on his game defensively against Scotland’s livewire threequarters at Murrayfield this afternoon.

The opening 42 minutes of the campaign apart, defence coach Shaun Edwards has been a happy man. Wales’ line has not been crossed since Brian O’Driscoll dashed in for Ireland’s third try early in the second half at the Millennium Stadium.

France and Italy failed to power their way over, limited to two and three penalties respectively.

But Wales will have to be on their guard against a rejuvenated Scotland.

“They’ve got a really strong back three,” said Davies.

“Stuart Hogg’s very elusive and fast, and Sean Maitland and Tim Visser are very powerful with ball in hand. It’s going to be a tough ask defensively but we pride ourselves on our defence and I think we’re up to it.

“They might be looking at a bit more of a kicking game with Duncan Weir at fly-half but we’re more worried about ourselves and our own performance.

“It’s a tough challenge but we’re excited about it.”

Outside centre Davies is a key cog in Wales’ defensive machine, trying to ensure that the blitz puts the opposition’s dangerous runners under pressure.

“Against Ireland there were a couple of occasions where I made the wrong decision and put the team under pressure,” said the Scarlets man.

“I’ve worked with Shaun to get a better feel for those kind of timing issues and we’re getting there.

“The team’s getting really good at competing for the ball at the first phase.

“The more time the ball is in the ruck, it allows us to get into a position to get off the line for a blitz defence.

“It’s certainly come off in the last couple of games.”