Davies was at the helm for the Prince William Cup clash against world champions South Africa. Wales went down 34-12 but the Caretaker Coach is sure Gatland will have been encouraged by the Dragons’ second-half recovery against the world’s best at the Millennium Stadium.
Davies said: “It’s the end of one era and the start of another – and I’m sure Warren will be delighted with the pride and passion shown by the players.
“I’m sure he will have identified areas that need work but he will be able to step forward with a very exciting group of players.
“We may be tenth in the world right now but we have the basis of a great team to move forward and those players all now know they can compete with the world champions when they get things right.
“There was huge passion and endeavour out there and I was hugely proud of the way the boys went about their business.”
Stand-in boss Davies gambled with his selection but young Llanelli Scarlets fullback Morgan Stoddart capped his Wales debut with a try, and created another. Meanwhile, Gavin Henson proved he has finally shaken off the injuries and loss of form that have wrecked his last 18 months with a Test-class display.
Davies said: “Morgan showed everyone what he is capable of and Gavin Henson really stepped up to the plate. His performance was very good.
“Gethin Jenkins, Robin Sowden-Taylor and Jonathan Thomas were part of a great team effort, but we just lacked that last touch. The biggest problem taking our opportunities; we had more than our fair share of that game but we need to be far more clinical.
“The defence needs to be tweaked, our management of the game at crucial times was not great and basic skills can be improved. But that is where we are right now.”
