Roberts relishing competition in the centre

First choice pair Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies lead the way from last season, but in a short period of time they have been joined by the returning Gavin Henson and the emerging Scott Williams.

“Competition is good, it’s healthy,” said Roberts. “From a personal perspective it certainly puts pressure on you. When you know you have guys putting pressure on for the jersey and you know you have competition deep down you work that bit harder, it’s only natural you do that.

“Fair play Gav (Henson) has come in, trained really well and is looking sharp. He’s offering huge input while Scott Williams has done fantastically well for a young guy.

“There were glimpses of what he could do when he won his first cap against the Barbarians, and hopefully he’ll have a taste of more things in August and get the chance to prove that he’s worthy of a place on the plane.

“The competition is healthy for everyone, especially in the centre. Myself and Jon (Davies) have played there quite a bit and to have those two competing as well is good for everyone.”

Roberts admits he doesn’t know how many centres Gatland will take to New Zealand.

“It’s an interesting debate, whether they take three or four,” he said. “Hooky can play at centre, but it’s all up to Warren. As players we just have to focus on the games in hand and just give it our best shot.”

Roberts emphasises the benefits of the two training camps in Poland last month. “I think everyone’s as fit as they’ve ever been. It’s been tough,” he said.

“The first time we went out there a lot of emphasis was on conditioning, there was an element of skills work, but the conditioning stuff was hard physically.

“The challenge was a mental one as much as anything when we went back there for the second week, given that there’s not much to do there.

“But that’s good because you have no distractions, your mind is completely focused on the job in hand. There are no outside influences and you can’t go home.”