RECALLED Wales hooker Mefin Davies has a bigger incentive than most of his team-mates to play well against France in Paris tomorrow.

The Pontypridd No 2 admits he was distraught after being dropped following the shock opening Six Nations defeat in Italy and thought his Wales career was over.

There were rumours of a bust-up with coach Steve Hansen and the popular 30-year-old returned to his club at his lowest ebb.

But Pontypridd coach Lyn Howells realised he was down, put him on as a replacement against Caerphilly six days later and once back on the pitch Davies quickly returned to his usual self.

"The most frustrating thing about being dropped was not having the chance to put things right against England as others did. That bothered me dramatically," admitted Davies.

"But I'm very grateful to Pontypridd because playing in the second half against Caerphilly gave me the opportunity to get rid of my frustrations.

"I needed a game and Lyn Howells realised the situation and put me on and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

"I thought my chances of playing for Wales again were out, but due to injuries I was on the bench against Scotland and things went OK when I went on.

"And then luckily I had another opportunity against Ireland for the second half.

"It was disappointing not to win, but I was happy with my contribution. The good thing was I had plenty of time on the pitch to make an impact and not just the last ten minutes.

"What happened to me was not something I enjoyed but I think it has made me a stronger character and I'll know how to react next time.

"For the moment I'm just grateful I'm starting on Saturday and I can't wait."

Davies says Wales have improved dramatically since the Italy game and though he greatly admires French rugby, he believes Wales can win and avoid a Six Nations whitewash.

"On the day nothing went right for anybody against Italy. Sad to say we probably didn't prepare very well," he said.

"But we've spent seven weeks together now and in the last couple of weeks things have dramatically improved and we must continue that.

"French rugby is fantastic. They can set the world alight and their last game against Italy was great to watch. But they are only human and the important thing is not to let yourself down and never give up.

"We were so close against Ireland. It was a great improvement. Let's hope we can take that into the France game.

"But we have to make sure, as we did against England and Ireland, that we are into top gear from the first minute until the last. We must pressurise the French from the off, play our own game and hopefully we'll have a great day. I'm sure a result will come sooner rather than later."