-
Taulupe Faletau could make his return to Test match rugby on Saturday against the Springboks
-
The No 8 played 55 minutes of Bath’s 16-9 Aviva Premiership victory over Bristol last Friday
-
It was Faletau’s first appearance in competitive rugby since suffering a knee ligament injury
Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau is on track to play against South Africa after injuring a knee ligament playing for Bath in the Premiership in September.
Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins said that Faletau has looked excellent since getting back onto the training paddock.
“I think Toby (Faletau) is just a ridiculously good rugby player,” he said.
“Watching him in training, he looks like he hasn’t been out (injured). He is a class act, a world-class number eight, one of the best on the planet.
“For us to have him fit and back in the mix and back training is a fantastic addition to our squad.”
Jenkins also believes South Africa will try and out-muscle Wales in their clash on Saturday.
Wales host a demoralised Springbok side who have suffered two recent losses to England and Italy, while the home side are also under pressure after just pipping Argentina two weeks ago before almost losing to Japan last weekend.
“South Africa do play a certain brand of rugby – an intimidating and physical brand of rugby – and I have no doubt they will come with that on Saturday,” Jenkins said.
“Physically, they will try to out-muscle us on Saturday, there is no doubting that, and I think they will come route one.
“We’ve got to be ready – physically and mentally – for that and make sure we impose our game on them.”
