Wales seeing the bigger picture

Wales centre Jonathan Davies insists that although the series has been lost, the final Test against Australia is 'vital' to Wales' ongoing development.

The Six Nations Grand Slam winners have ran their hosts close in the opening two Test matches of the tour, but Davies is adamant that there is plenty to play for in Sydney this weekend as it is an opportunity for his side to show their mental toughness.

"What's vital for this team is how we react," said the wily centre who scored the second try against the Wallabies last week.

"We must react in a positive manner as we've got to finish the tour on a good note. It is very important we came down here and got a victory," he explained.

A last-gasp penalty from Wallabies replacement Mike Harris snatched a dramatic victory in Melbourne last week, leaving the Welsh heartbroken after coming within a whisker of claiming a big southern hemisphere scalp.

However, Davies believes that although the series is lost there should be no reason for Wales to fall off the pace as they look to grow as a team down under.

"Although the test series is lost now, I think for the development of this squad to the autumn we have to make sure we get a victory and ensure we keep focused," he said.

Wales boast just one victory over the one of the southern hemisphere giants in their last 39 meetings but caretaker head coach Rob Howley insists the gap is closing.

"We're getting closer. This team has been to some dark places, particularly in the Rugby World Cup, and we'll move on.

"But our emotional intelligence and composure in critical areas in the game must get better," he added.