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Wales and Bath No.8 Faletau plays down injury fears

By Online Editors
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Bath number eight Taulupe Faletau played down fears about his fitness ahead of Wales’ opening Six Nations match against Italy after he was taken off just before the final whistle in the 13-10 win over Leicester.

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Tom Homer snatched the win for Bath with his second try 11 minutes from full-time.

“I got a bit banged about but nothing too serious, and I should be able to report back to Wales next week,” said British and Irish Lions forward Faletau.

When asked about his general fitness since returning to action a month ago after twice breaking his forearm and then his collarbone, he added: “I’m perhaps not quite there yet but I’m just enjoying being out on the pitch.

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“Going into camp (with Wales) now, I’m delighted to be there.”

Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper said there had been “some firm words” spoken in the home dressing room at half-time after gifting too much possession to Leicester.

“We found a way to win though,” he added. “When we went behind we showed decent amount of character. I thought some of the big players stood up and got us back into the game. Ultimately we got the try that won it.

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“There are lessons to be learned but it’s important that we learn them with four points in the bag. Losing the ball 11 times in the first half, you can’t build any pressure.”

On Faletau, he added: “Today was brilliant for him, to get out there and get another game under his belt. Whether he plays in the Six Nations or not is (Wales head coach) Wayne Pivac’s call. He’s a quality player though.”

Hooper was guarded when questioned about rumours of Saracens players joining Bath because of the champions’ enforced relegation over salary cap infringements.

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“Every club is in a recruitment cycle. Those decisions have to be made very carefully and strategically,” he said. “We are looking at the whole market, as we always are.

“You don’t get a shopping list come through the door. The players will all deal with their own situations with Sarries. When people know who is available and what’s going to happen, then decisions can be made.”

Taulupe Faletau
Taulupe Faletau

Leicester head coach Geordan Murphy was disappointed not to get the win.

He said: “It was a pretty grim game. It was turgid but you could see both teams were both desperate.

“I thought we did enough and the way we defended at the back end of the first half was stoic. To then miss a one-on-one for the Tom Homer try is particularly disappointing.

“There were some big moments: we got the ball over the try-line and the boys reckoned they got it down.

“At two points up. Bath having had most of the play, and ten to go, I thought ‘We’re in this.’ But it is what it is.

“Bath won the game through their outside backs and dominance of territory.”

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Trevor 25 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
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