Davies' impact in the Blues' brave win at Gloucester helped win him selection

Wales say that uncapped lock Bradley Davies' youthful potential gave him the edge in Six Nations squad selection.

The Blues lock, 22, scored the match-winning try for his side at Gloucester on Sunday, helping win him the Wales nod over Blues team-mate Deiniol Jones.

"With Ian Evans injured we looked at Deiniol too who has been unlucky," said Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde.

"But having four second rows gives us that luxury to have a youngster in the squad and work on his development."

606: DEBATE I'm really shocked at the omission of Dwayne Peel. Has he paid the price for moving to Sale? walesforme

Osprey lock Ian Gough remains in pole position to fill the boots of sidelined regional team-mate Evans in the Wales XV, but in-form Dragons giant Luke Charteris is pushing hard.

Jones is a reliable performer at the Arms Park, but Davies - who toured with Wales to South Africa last summer but did not play - is seen as one for the future.

"Bradley's been going well and we have been looking at him as one for the future, but he certainly came on and made an impact for the Blues in what was a great win for them at the weekend," said McBryde.

Both Mike [Phillips] and Gareth [Cooper] have earned our loyalty, it's now up to them to prove us right Rob Howley on scrum-half selection

"We had a good chat about the front row and we still have our eye on the likes of Eifion Roberts at Sale.

"But we've ended up with a healthy competition for places in most areas and I think we can come up with a side that will be competitive in Scotland for our opening game, when the pressure will be on."

Wales attack coach Rob Howley said that competition for places was also intense in the backs, scrum-half Dwayne Peel the shock omission.

"We've named just 12 backs which has meant some tough calls, but I think we've ended up with a quality line-up that any nation would be proud of," said former Wales and Lions scrum-half Howley.

"At scrum-half in particular it probably could have gone either way, but we think we have made the right decision and both Mike [Phillips] and Gareth [Cooper] have earned our loyalty, it's now up to them to prove us right."

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