WALES’ young guns have been told in no uncertain terms that they have a big responsibility to maintain the standards set by those that are away with the British and Irish Lions.

The Six Nations champions head to Japan next week for two-Test tour without head coach Warren Gatland, deputy Rob Howley, assistant Neil Jenkins and 15 players that will be in Australia.

Added to that list are a number of senior figures that have been given the summer off in order to give fresh talent a taste of the international scene.

Caretaker boss Robin McBryde has picked a squad with an average age of 23 but they have been warned that this is no development tour.

Wales are keen to keep their four-Test winning streak going and prolong a defensive stand that goes back 358 minutes to when Ireland centre Brian O’Driscoll crossed their line in the Six Nations opener.

“We are most definitely keen to keep the feel-good factor going,” said Bradley Davies, who will be skipper in the Far East.

“(Defence coach) Shaun Edwards said as much at the start of the week and reminded us that Wales hadn’t conceded a try for so many games and hadn’t lost in that time as well.

“There’s a responsibility to the jersey.”

It’s also a shirt that Cardiff Blues lock Davies has not worn since being knocked out off the ball by New Zealand’s Andrew Hore last November.

Ankle surgery meant he missed the defence of the Six Nations and the 26-year-old has seen Ospreys pair Alun Wyn Jones and Ian Evans form a formidable partnership.

“It’s been difficult because I went through a stage where I played ten to 15 internationals, starting every game,” he said. “Then I ended up on the bench a lot and my career got a bit messy, with small injuries and decisions not going your way. “But I’ve learned from things and see this as the half-way point in my career.

“I’ve taken my eye off the ball at times, but I’ve refocused. When you are away from the Wales camp and you watch the boys play on telly, it gives you a kick up the backside and a desire to get back in.

“Sitting in my local pub watching Wales win the Six Nations was not a nice feeling.”

Among the three locks that he jealously watched after beating England was Newport Gwent Dragons ace Andrew Coombs, who was a beneficiary of Davies’ injury.

Coombs, a late convert to lock from the back row, was one of the finds of the tournament after making his Test debut against Ireland.

“He’s a really good guy and took his chance during the Six Nations, he deserved to be part of the set-up,” said Davies.

“The good thing about that story was that it showed to every other player in Wales if you are good enough and want the chance to play for your country, it can happen.

“The competition will be pretty fierce in the second row so I’ll have a challenge on my plate.

“Andrew Coombs, Lou Reed and James King have been playing very well.

“Rather than worrying about being captain, the first thing for me is to get my own game right and warrant a place in the side.”