Davies, 20, will win his first international cap at outside centre alongside the Ospreys’ Andrew Bishop against Canada here in Toronto on Saturday.
But Jones, who will miss the opening Test at York University due to a slight knee injury, insists Davies, labelled as the ‘next Scott Gibbs’, can make a huge impact and lay down an instant marker on his Test debut.
Jones said: “I’ve been really impressed with the way the younger players have come in and looked so comfortable in this environment. They have brought a great level of enthusiasm to the squad and it’s been great.
“They have all settled in well but from a personal point of view, I’ve been delighted to see Jonathan come in and do so well.
“There’s a real mix on the tour from Dwayne Peel with 70-odd caps to someone like Jonathan who is still new to regional rugby and the squad.
“But there’s no ego’s in this squad. From Dwayne, Ian Gough and Dafydd Jones to the young lads, we’re all on an even footing.
“The young lads aren’t afraid to ask questions and we always trying to make ourselves available regardless of whether it’s about a play we’re trying in training or the general rule of our gameplan. “It’s informal and I believe they will pick up as much in those conversations than they will on the training field.
“Hopefully the combination of experience and the vigour of enthusiasm will give us the right blend for two good team performances.”
Young gun Davies will join fellow Scarlets team-mate and debutant Daniel Evans in the opening Test against the Canuck’s as caretaker coach Robin McBryde selects a youthful side with eight players on less than ten caps.
And Wales flyer Jones reckons the old guard on show such as Ospreys trio Gough, the fit-again Duncan Jones and skipper Ryan Jones, will have to front up in the blazing heat in Ontario.
Jones, 29, said: “Despite what the young lads have shown so far, there will come a point on this tour where the senior boys have to lead by example.
“We’ve been in the squad the longest and we understand the ethos of the group is. We know how we’ve been coached over the last 18 months under Warren Gatland’s regime and we understand what is required.
“We’ll be setting the level of intensity and along with the new coaches in Robin, Neil and Sean, maintain the continuity of what we’ve already achieved because it’s vital that the ship is in order when Warren comes back.
“The senior coaches are away on Lions duty and it’s a big opportunity to stamp their authority and mark on this group of players.
“It’s a new group and players need to learn about this environment. But the most important thing is they want to learn and play in the two-Test matches.
“They will go back and play in the Magners League or Heineken Cup and when the autumn and Six Nations comes around, there’s a real opportunity for these players to put their hand up for selection.”
