Davies: Wary of Italy threat

Wales have averaged almost 40 points a time over their previous Six Nations meetings with the Azzurri in Cardiff.

And although a repeat performance is expected by many this weekend, Davies does not expect things to come easy.

"We have got to make sure we keep the ball and are patient with it, not to expect things to happen straight away," the Wales centre said.

"I think people might expect things to happen instantly with the back-line we have got, but we've got to make sure we build and not force the issue.

"We expect an extremely tough game, because it always is, but we have got to make sure we keep the ball in play and keep a high tempo and work the Italians.

"Hopefully, that will bear fruit in the last 20 minutes or so.

"We expect to be in a tough fight. We need to keep in that arm wrestle and make sure we power through and take our chances when they come."

Wales are closing in on a second Six Nations title and Grand Slam of coach Warren Gatland's four-year reign.

Victory over Italy would leave them needing to beat France in Cardiff tomorrow week for another tournament clean sweep.

Both previous Six Nations Grand Slams - in 2005 under Mike Ruddock and 2008 - were completed on home soil, so all the odds favour Wales backing up their status as World Cup semi-finalists by being crowned European champions.

"The squad is pretty grounded," Davies added. "We all know there is a lot of expectation on us, but I think we can handle that.

"There is a good feeling within the squad and we know what is expected on the field. We are all working hard and doing our jobs, and we are not going away from that.

"The competition within the squad is fierce at the moment, and it is making training that much more intense. We are working at such a high level now in training."

Davies, 23, scored two tries when Wales opened their Six Nations campaign by defeating Ireland in Dublin last month, and impressive form carried on from the World Cup has made him hot property less than 15 months before the British and Irish Lions tour Australia.

He is part of a Wales back division unchanged for a fourth successive game, one that has posted seven touchdowns in the tournament so far.

Scrum-half Mike Phillips said: "The pressure is that we are expected to put a big score on Italy, but we know they are a good side who are getting better every year.

"Every year we play them we have difficulties, so we have to be focused on this game, make sure we are accurate in the first 20 minutes and concentrate."