Wales have been accused of a confused tactical approach

"I don't understand why we're trying to play so much football without making hard yards," he told BBC Wales' Scrum V rugby show after the loss to Australia.

"We're trying to spread it wide without going forward and are then kicking on the back foot and under pressure. Later, we gave targets and improved."

Senior players Stephen Jones and Martyn Williams have also called for change.

Interview: Jonathan Davies

SCRUM V DEBATE ON 606 What do you think of Wales' tactics? Sean_D

"Our strength is when the game is more open and we are getting the ball through our hands," said outside-half Jones after the 20-32 loss to Australia.

"We must address whether we play a different game in the first 20 minutes."

The Wallabies defeat leaves Wales needing to beat Japan and Fiji in their final two Pool B games to set up a likely quarter-final against South Africa in Marseille on 7 October.

Wales' approach surprised me and I don't buy this talk about their improved second half Ex-All Blacks scrum-half Justin Marshall

"Australia hit us for six, they made a great start and they were clinical," said open-side flanker Williams.

"We were a little bit too structured early on. In the northern hemisphere, we play too much of a structured game - the southern hemisphere mentality is just to play.

"When we play instinctively, we have good rugby players. We tend to go away from that and it plays into their hands.

"South Africa are also an awesome side. The difference was there again in the game against England. They had that intensity from the off."

Former New Zealand scrum-half Justin Marshall backed those claims, saying that Wales played into Australia's hands.

If we're going to be structured early on then finish with an open game, we should change our scrum-half Ex-Wales captain Eddie Butler

"Wales' approach surprised me and I don't buy this talk about their improved second half," the Ospreys star said on Scrum V.

"Australia took Stirling Mortlock off at the break and he's just integral to them - that shows how confident they were that the game was won.

"Wales have to play their way out of the rut they're in. They have the players and the ability, so I find it frustrating to watch - I can't imagine what the supporters are feeling."

Another former Wales captain, Eddie Butler, said that if Wales are to continue with their current tactical approach they need to review selection.

"If we're going to be structured early on then finish with an open game, we should change our scrum-half," Butler told Scrum V.

Davies says that Wales' creativity gives them hope

"Mike Phillips should start to give that early thrust when going wide doesn't work against a fresh-legged defence.

"If we're then closing with an open game Dwayne Peel can come on to speed up the offence."

Despite the problems, Davies remained upbeat on Wales' tournament chances.

"We've got very good players, but it's a confidence thing at the moment and we're not gelling," he said.

"I thought that our two big centres would give us the targets against Australia, but their defence was so good - Mortlock just smashed everyone back.

"If we get the tactics right and get over the gain line we'll be a totally different side, I'm very confident of getting good results against Japan and Fiji and then it'll be off to Marseille for a knock-out game.

"We are creating opportunities and scoring, and when you do that you can always beat people.