JAMES Davies knows that he is going to have to put his head where it hurts if the Scarlets are to get the better of Newport Gwent Dragons at the breakdown on Judgement Day, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 24-year-old flanker is enjoying a breakthrough season with the west Walians and the former sevens international has made 20 appearances, crossing the whitewash four times.

Davies is known for his high energy but a week on Saturday he could be coming face to face with another diminutive flanker who is highly rated in Llanelli.

Nic Cudd remains a popular figure even though he headed east after finding chances hard to come by, a move that has seen him become a favourite at Rodney Parade.

"I've known Nic quite a while, he is a good guy and an excellent player," said Davies. "I've gone up against him at Premiership level and it's always a tough challenge.

"I've never known a guy get so many cuts! He is a brave player and doesn't mind putting himself in there.

"We'll have to watch Nic closely if he is selected while hopefully Taulupe Faletau won't carry too hard off the base of the scrum!"

If Davies can will his personal dual with Cudd then he says a lot of the credit must go to Scotland international John Barclay, who has helped in his rapid rise.

He said: "John has been a great help. He always talks to me a lot on the pitch; when to jackal, when to not jackal, little parts of the game, strategies and tactical things. He gets me into the right positions on the pitch."

The clash will be the second part of the regional double-header at the Millennium Stadium and the seventh-placed Scarlets will be desperate for the points in their bid for Champions Cup rugby.

"The Dragons have got good momentum at the moment and can score tries out of nowhere but it's a huge game for us, the first of three must-wins," said Davies.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from www.wru.wales/tickets, the WRU ticket office on Westgate Street, each of the four regions, at Tesco stores or by calling Ticketmaster on 0844 847 1881. A record 37,500 have been sold so far.