Taulupe Faletau has been tipped to move on up through the gears as he continues his long-awaited comeback.
The Wales and Lions No.8 made an impressive return for Cardiff in their victory over the Cheetahs last weekend on his first appearance since April following shoulder and calf injuries.
It was as if he had never been away as he put in 16 carries and made 13 tackles during a 52 minute run-out in the Challenge Cup clash at the Arms Park, much to the delight of head coach Matt Sherratt.
“It’s great to have his name back on the team sheet,” said the Cardiff boss.
“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!’.
“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.”
Justin Tipuric Comparison
Sherratt says the 104cap Faletau reminds him of fellow back row star Justin Tipuric, who he worked with during his time coaching at the Ospreys.
“Taulupe is definitely up there as one of the best natural rugby players I have coached,” he said. “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.”
Faletau has played just two games in 14 months having broken his arm during last year’s World Cup and then suffering shoulder damage on his first match back against Ulster in April.
But Sherratt says the 34-year-old has remained philosophical during his extended time out.
“He’s pretty level emotionally and he just cracks on,” he said.
“He keeps himself to himself. He doesn’t really say a lot, he just goes about his business very quietly.
“He’s a really good professional, he looks after himself well, he’s on top of all his detail.”
Continuing the Comeback
Faletau will continue on the comeback trail in the Boxing Day clash with the Dragons at Rodney Parade, with Cardiff then hosting the Ospreys at the Arms Park on New Year’s Day.
“It’s an exciting period with two derbies,” said Sherratt. “They are fixtures that arouse sentiment and emotion.
“The players are so familiar with each other, it’s not one to overdo in terms of tactical messages.”
On the impending trip to Rodney Parade, he said: “I really enjoy going there. It feels like a proper old school derby, packed to the rafters.
“You get a pretty hostile reception, but that’s what it’s all about. I’m really looking forward to it and the players are as well.”
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Warren Gatland will continue as Wales head coach for the 2025 Six Nations despite WRU chief executive Abi Tierney admitting his position had been “on the line” after slumping to a record 12 successive Test match defeats.
WRU executive director of rugby Nigel Walker has resigned.
“I have had a number of honest conversations with Warren and I will make no secret of the fact his position was on the line as we undertook our review,” said Tierney.
“He knows the security of his position is directly related to the performances of the team and this is a situation that will continue to intensify.There is a tough challenge ahead but Warren is more than up for that challenge.”
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