Cardiff boss gives his verdict on Taulupe Faletau’s comeback from injury nightmare

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt is delighted with star back-row Taulupe Faletau’s impressive return after a lengthy injury lay-off and feels he will still improve.

The experienced Wales and British & Irish Lions international has had his fair share of injury setbacks throughout his career but has been incredibly unlucky in recent years.

The 34-year-old broke his arm during last year’s Rugby World Cup in France and after an extended stint on the sidelines, he finally made his return six months later for Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship.

Brief return to action

However, his comeback game lasted just 30 minutes before he was forced off the pitch with a fractured shoulder and was subsequently ruled out for another six months.

Faletau eventually returned to action in Cardiff’s 26-10 Challenge Cup victory over the Cheetahs last weekend and gave a good account of himself either side of the ball as he made 16 carries and 13 tackles during that encounter.

“It’s great to have his name back on the team-sheet,” Sherratt told WalesOnline. “Both his boys were there watching him. It was pleasing to see him back out there and he came through well.

“After the game, he said he was blowing after 20 minutes and I am thinking ‘Well, I didn’t notice!’

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‘There’s more to come from him’

“There’s no doubt when he plays he seems to be able to get back up to speed quite quickly. But there’s more to come from him as well. There are levels to go yet.

“He is a special player. He’s been one of Wales’ greats for the last decade.”

Sherratt continued to sing Faletau’s praises and said he reminds him of another one of Wales’ legendary back-rowers.

“Taulupe is definitely up there as one of the best natural rugby players I have coached,” he added. “There’s lots of similarities with him and Justin Tipuric.

“They are good in the lineout, they win ball, steal ball, their contact area is good, they’ve got pace, good skills. rugby sense. They are both very special players.

“I do feel fortunate to have coached people like that. That’s why you do it, to work with the best players.”

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