Davies ready to step in for Tom.

Byline: ANDREW BALDOCK

WALES boss Warren Gatland looks set to summon exciting Scarlets midfield prospect Jonathan Davies for Saturday's Test match against Argentina.

The 21-year-old can expect a call when Gatland names his team today as he is in pole position to replace experienced Cardiff Blues centre Tom Shanklin.

Shanklin, who should be fit for Wales' autumn finale against Australia later this month, suffered a small fracture to a bone in his nose during the laboured 17-13 victory over Samoa last Friday.

He was hurt following a collision with his Wales team-mate Gethin Jenkins, which meant Davies replacing him early in the second half.

"Tom has a small fracture to the nasal bone which will limit his involvement in preparations this week," said Wales team physiotherapist Mark Davies.

"It will therefore rule him out of selection for the Argentina game.

"There is a certain amount of swelling which will take a few days to settle down, but the injury requires no further treatment and he should be back in contention next week."

Gatland has asked Ospreys centre Andrew Bishop to join the training camp as cover for Shanklin, although he is not currently part of the autumn squad.

One option for Gatland would be to switch James Hook from full-back into midfield alongside Jamie Roberts.

But Hook has proved a success in the number 15 shirt, while 6ft 1in Davies impressed through some powerful attacking moments during the Samoa clash. Davies started both Tests of Wales' summer tour this year, scoring two tries against the USA in Chicago, and is set to win his fourth cap.

Gatland is likely to make at least four other changes from the side pushed so close by Samoa.

Centre Tom The Lions quartet of wing Shane Williams, fly-half Stephen Jones, hooker Matthew Rees and flanker Martyn Williams can all expect recalls after being rested for the Samoa encounter.

And Gatland must also take a close look at the scrum, where the Samoan tighthead - former Saracens prop Census Johnston - caused Wales considerable trouble.

With Argentina, arguably world rugby's most destructive scrummagers, next on Gatland's agenda, he knows that critical area is one Wales cannot afford to get wrong.

Flanker Andy Powell accepts Wales will need to increase their performance level for the Pumas, who have beaten their hosts four times from the last six attempts.

"We have to step up our game for Argentina," said Powell.

"The set-piece went all right against Samoa, but the breakdown killed us. It went wrong against New Zealand as well and it is the one thing we need to work on.

"We are just not putting enough numbers in. We are going in ones and twos and it is going against us.

"But it can be put right through putting hard work in training into practice on the field against Argentina.

Shanklin "They will be a tough side to break down as well, so we have a big week ahead of us."

Wales also need to sharpen their attacking game after making 11 line breaks against Samoa and claiming a solitary try through wing Leigh Halfpenny.

They have managed just two touchdowns - both from Halfpenny - in the last four home Tests, and unless a clinical cutting edge can be rediscovered, then Argentina could easily repeat their Millennium Stadium success of eight years ago.

CAPTION(S):

Centre Tom Shanklin Jonathan Davies in action for Wales