Faletau thrilled with back row reunion
Wales number eight Toby Faletau is thrilled to be reunited with back-row colleagues Dan Lydiate and Sam Warburton on Saturday.
Wales number eight Toby Faletau is thrilled to be reunited with back-row colleagues Dan Lydiate and Sam Warburton on Saturday.
South Africa travel to take on Wales at the Millenium Stadium, and Faletau is set to link up with his two physical flankers for the 11th time.
The Dragons ace is relishing the chance to reform the triumvirate for the first time in Welsh colours for over a year.
“It's been a while and it's good to be back alongside Sam and Dan,” Faletau told the Western Telegraph.
“They are great players, everyone knows how good Dan is at the tackle area and Warby is great at the breakdown, they complement each other.
“As a back row it's great to know what each others' game is about. Sam just knows to hang off a little bit and go for the jackal if Dan is the tackler, we know each other well and that makes a difference out on the field.
“We've had good times and hopefully there will be plenty more ahead.”
The 22-year-old's participation in the November Tests looked in doubt just two weeks ago, though, when he was stretchered off in a neck brace after sustaining a heavy blow to the head in the Dragons Pro12 loss to the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.
However, the number eight was given the all clear after hospital scans, and he is now set to win his 27th cap against the Springboks.
“There was a bit too much fuss and it was all good in the end,” added Faletau.
“I went down. Then after five to 10 minutes while the medics were doing their stuff I realised it wasn't as bad as they were making it out to be.
“I was quite embarrassed. There was no reason to be on the stretcher, but I suppose it's better to be safe.”
While the dynamic back-row man has been integral to Welsh successes against their Northern Hemisphere rivals, he has yet to taste victory in the colours of his country against one of the Southern Hemisphere “big three”.
“There have been plenty of close things, especially against Australia, and we need to get the win,” acknowledged Faletau.
“I guess it may be a psychological thing in that we think it's a bigger step up against the southern hemisphere teams. We are capable of winning these games. We just have to go out there and believe it.”