WALES’ back row riches mean that James Davies knows he can’t waste his chance with Wales this summer if he is to join his brother Jonathan at next year’s World Cup.

The Scarlets flanker is set to add to the cap that he won against Italy in the Six Nations when Warren Gatland’s side lock horns with South Africa and Argentina.

The head coach named his side to face the Springboks this afternoon but has pledged that every member of his touring party will get a chance to impress whether it be in Washington, San Juan or Santa Fe.

That provides an opportunity to catch the eye in the countdown to Japan 2019 with Davies knowing the back row competition especially fierce.

Lions Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau and Dan Lydiate will be watching from home while Aaron Shingler and Josh Navidi miss out through injury after enjoying strong Six Nations campaigns.

“The World Cup is in the back of everyone’s mind. If it comes, then brilliant and I want it as bad as anyone,” said the 27-year-old, who is joined in the squad by back row options Ellis Jenkins, Ross Moriarty, Aaron Wainwright, Josh Turnbull and Seb Davies.

“Sam Warburton will be coming back, Josh Navidi is in the picture, and it is just about me playing my game and doing well with the Scarlets next season.

“By then if I get my chance and have a couple of good games, I might be able to play for Wales with my brother. If that were to happen it would be a great day for the family.

“It would be fantastic to play alongside him for Wales, but if that won’t come, then at least we’ve played together at the Scarlets and enjoyed some great days. Long may that continue.”

“There is no doubt I could have been born in an easier era in which to play in the back row for Wales,” continued Davies.

“There is a lot of talent, but that’s just the way it is. My philosophy has never changed and if what I’m doing for the Scarlets is perceived as good enough by the Welsh selectors for them to put me in their team, then that’s fantastic.”

Wales pushed back their team announcement after heading to Washington with a large Scarlets contingent following their exertions in the Guinness PRO14 final against Leinster.

The west Walians lost their title to the European champions but Davies doesn’t mind having to dig deep for another month.

“Last year I was able to go away for three weeks. It is going to be a different summer this year,” he said.

“It is a long season and it doesn’t get any easier as you get older, but it’s more about freshening up the mental side of things as much as anything else.”