JONATHAN Davies hopes to reward Warren Gatland’s gamble by starring in midfield for Wales against New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Clermont Auvergne centre will take to the field for the first time in a month after recovering from the shoulder problem that forced him to sit out the Tests against Australia and Fiji.

The 26-year-old is one of the best in his position in the world but there is an element of risk about throwing him straight back in against the All Blacks.

"I've worked really hard with the conditioners and physios to get fit, so hopefully I can deliver a performance," said Davies.

"You work extremely hard here if you are injured. You don't want to get injured when you are in the Wales camp because you probably get flogged more than the fit boys.

"You want to put yourself up against the best and that is what is going to happen on Saturday.

"Ideally, I could have had a bit more game-time coming into it, but that's how the world goes. I have to make sure I work hard, know my roles and deliver what I have to."

Davies joins forces with regular partner Jamie Roberts and the pair are likely to go up against the formidable partnership of Sonny Bill Williams and Conrad Smith.

Sonny Bill is one of the games most talked about figures but it’s 33-year-old Smith, nicknamed ‘the snake’ for his ability to slide through defences, that earned Davies’ praise.

“He’s outstanding, his consistent and very intelligent in offence and defence. He probably doesn’t get the plaudits he deserves really,” said the former Scarlets man.

“He is one of the best centres in the world so it’s going to be tough but I’m looking forward to putting myself up against him.”

“New Zealand are the best team in the world, very comfortable on the ball and very intelligent,” he continued.

“They play in the right areas, they retain the ball really well and, once they get it, they keep it. It's down to us this week that when we get it, we keep it for a long period of time and starve them of possession.”