Gavin Henson has been suffering with an Achilles injury

Henson has been ruled out of Wales' World Cup squad after failing to prove his fitness following injury.

"It's a blow for him because he wasn't selected for the last World Cup and it's a blow for Wales because Gavin can be a fine player," said Davies.

"But it's the right choice. It's unfair for someone to miss out when a chance is taken on another player's fitness."

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins, who has already lost number eight Ryan Jones to injury, also has a major fitness concern over Stephen Jones.

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A second scan this week revealed a suspected torn groin muscle and the Llanelli Scarlets fly-half will have further consultation on the injury on Wednesday.

Publicly, Jenkins is upbeat over Jones' chances of being fit to play in Wales' World Cup opener against Canada on 9 September, but Davies fears Jones could be set to join Henson on the sidelines.

"If you tear a groin muscle then you're usually out for six weeks, so this is a big worry for Wales," former Wales captain Davies told BBC Wales Sport.

"And with Henson dropping out already, Wales need Stephen Jones to be fit to play in this World Cup."

Wales' World Cup preparations start in earnest on Saturday against England at Twickenham in the first of three World Cup warm-up matches in August.

Jenkins has selected an under-strength side as he gives fringe players a final chance to stake their claim before he names his final World Cup squad of 30 on 14 August.

For the players to be comfortable with their partnerships, the best side should be selected for the next two warm-up games Jonathan Davies

England's side looks close to full-strength and Davies believes Jenkins should also have selected his strongest possible side to give the players plenty of opportunity to brush off some cobwebs before the World Cup kick-off.

"There are a lot of players in the Wales team who have been given opportunities to play themselves into the World Cup squad," said Davies.

"A lot of those who are starting on Saturday are certainly not what you would consider to be first-choice players.

"Wales have got a few injuries, but the big difference between the two sides will be that the Wales players will be looking to get into the squad whereas the England players are playing to get into the team.

"Gareth Jenkins might need a final look at some of these players, but for me August is a time when players want to play.

"You don't want to be going to a World Cup wondering what your form is and if was a player now, I would want to play through August and then hit the World Cup running.

"Some players have been given a last chance to prove themselves now, but I think Gareth Jenkins should know what his strongest side is.

"Wales on their day can beat anyone, but if they don't perform they could lose to a few sides.