His rapid progress means that Wales have a crop of locks - including Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans and Luke Charteris - in their mid-20s who should be peaking come the 2011 World Cup.

BBC: Wales fail to buck losing trend against Boks

Scarlets fly-half Stephen Jones, Dragons lock Luke Charteris and scrum-half Wayne Evans all withdrew with back injuries, but all three Wales contenders are thought to be just a few days from fitness.

BBC: Scarlets 18-3 Dragons

Experienced Scarlets duo Dafydd Jones and Mark Jones were named alongside the three rookies, while the Dragons have Lewis Evans, Dan Lydiate, Jason Tovey and Luke Charteris in caretaker Wales coach Robin McBryde's squad.

BBC: Scarlets' Wales hopefuls warned

Two Simon Finnigan tries along with others by Terry Newton and James Evans put Bradford on top at the break, with Luke Robinson scoring for the Giants.

BBC: Bradford 38-12 Huddersfield

Osprey lock Ian Gough remains in pole position to fill the boots of sidelined regional team-mate Evans in the Wales XV, but in-form Dragons giant Luke Charteris is pushing hard.

BBC: Wales backing young lock Davies