WALES captain Sam Warburton has hailed Scott Williams as 'perfect' World Cup replacement for Jonathan Davies, writes Paddy von Behr.

The knee injury suffered by Clermont ace Davies is a huge blow for England 2015 with Warren Gatland having to slot in a new figure next to Jamie Roberts.

However, Williams has frequently proved to be a more than able deputy on the Test stage and flanker Warburton is confident the 24-year-old Scarlets ace will rise to the challenge.

"The injury to Jonathan Davies is a massive blow but we have the perfect replacement," said Warburton.

"Scott has been part of the spine of the team for the last few years and it is just unfortunate that he has got two British Lions who play in the centres in front of him.

"He has been brilliant for so long and we couldn't have had a better man to step up in Jonathan's absence. He has started for Wales a lot of times already and people remember the solo try he scored at Twickenham back in 2012 but he has been playing immensely for the Scarlets for a long time."

Much like Lancaster, Wales boss Warren Gatland must whittle his training squad down to a final 31 following a string of camps and Warburton is eager to see the hopefuls put through their paces.

And with the likes of Gloucester back row Ross Moriarty, Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis and Bristol fly-half Matthew Morgan all included, the captain believes there is room for a wildcard or two.

"The squad is such a good bunch of boys and any time a new player comes in, everybody welcomes them with open arms. It sort of happens naturally so the new boys will fit right in," said the 26-year-old.

"From my experience in the 2011 World Cup there are players who might have been on the fringe of the squad at this stage but they worked their way into the World Cup.

"Everybody has got an opportunity. The coaches are very much of the opinion that if you are in form, then you will be given a crack. If you are good enough, then you are old enough."

- Sam Warburton is a Land Rover ambassador. Land Rover, a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015, will be recruiting two official Rugby World Cup 2015 mascots at a beach rugby festival on Barry Island on Saturday July 4. Follow @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal