Wales caretaker coach Nigel Davies believes Robin Sowden-Taylor can fill the massive void left by the retirement of Martyn Williams.
New-look Wales ready to do battle with World Cup winners
Wales caretaker coach Nigel Davies believes Robin Sowden-Taylor can fill the massive void left by the retirement of Martyn Williams.
The Cardiff Blues flanker has been given the chance to replace his club colleague in the number seven shirt for Saturday's clash with South Africa.
It is certainly a tall order facing the 25-year-old as Williams has been a constant presence in the back-row for Wales in recent years.
However, Davies - who will be in charge of Wales for the first, and last, time this weekend before making way for new boss Warren Gatland, is sure the new boy is up to the challenge.
Specialist
"We have watched Robin since we came back from the World Cup," he said.
"I think he has played very well. He is a specialist openside flanker, and in the type of game we want to play, he will give us everything that we want.
"I have already spoken to Robin and he knows what we expect of him. He is comfortable with that."
Sowden-Taylor will not be the only player looking to make an impression against the Springboks at the Millennium Stadium.
New era
Davies knows that his new-look team, which includes Gavin Henson in the centres, will be eager to shine ahead of the arrival of New Zealander Gatland.
He added: "In many ways, this is the start of a new era.
"It is definitely a new-look team, but more importantly we have to become accustomed to winning, and what better way to start than by beating the world champions.
"Winning is a habit. We have to stop thinking we can't win and start believing that we can."
