Jonathan Davies insists that Wales can handle the pressure as they attempt to win both the RBS Six Nations title and a Grand Slam.
Wales centre adamant that his side will not buckle under the pressure
Jonathan Davies insists that Wales can handle the pressure as they attempt to win both the RBS Six Nations title and a Grand Slam.
If Warren Gatland's side manage to beat Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, they would need just one more win against France in Cardiff a week later to claim another tournament clean sweep.
Wales have won two Grand Slams since the tournament expanded to six teams - in 2005 under Mike Ruddock and three years later with Gatland at the helm.
Both of those successes were completed on home soil and Davies is confident that his team will not buckle in front of an expectant crowd.
''The squad is pretty grounded. We all know there is a lot of expectation on us, but I think we can handle that,'' the Scarlets centre said.
Hard work
''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 scored two tries when Wales opened their Six Nations campaign by defeating Ireland in Dublin, extending an impressive run of form over from the World Cup.
And the 23-year-old has also bucked a recent trend in Wales after opting to pledge his immediate rugby future with his current employers in his home nation, rather than head elsewhere.
''There was a period where it was a tough decision. For a few weeks, it was chopping and changing quite a lot,'' Davies added of the decision over his future.
''It was a difficult period because it was always on your mind. You want to get it sorted. People are asking you about it all the time.
Decision
''You just want to keep your head down and make sure you make the right decision. I spoke to my family and had a meeting with the coaches in Llanelli and some other people as well.
''It went really well, it cleared my mind and put me in the right spot, really.
''I am at the stage of my career where I haven't developed yet. Other boys who are leaving are probably more experienced and have more rugby under their belt.
''I think it was key for my development to stay in Wales and make sure I keep working hard and cementing my spot in the team.
''The best place to do that is the Scarlets because of the exciting back-line there. I am glad it is sorted, and I am really happy that I've been able to stay and be involved with the Scarlets for the next two years.''
