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Wales re-call Bath No.8 Taulupe Faletau
By Ian Cameron
Wales have recalled Bath No.8 Taulupe Faletau, who hasn’t featured for his country in nearly a year.
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Injured during the British & Irish Lions tour, the backrow has struggled to overcome an ankle issue which has seen him sidelined for seven months.
He hasn’t played for Wales since featuring against France last match inn the final game of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations.
Faletau has strung together two consecutive performances for Bath in the Gallagher Premiership and has got the nod from head coach Wayne Pivac to rejoin the wider squad ahead of England week.
A short WRU statement reads: “Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby) has been called up to the Wales senior men’s squad for the remainder of the Guinness Six Nations. He replaces Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs), who was released back to his club following a hamstring injury earlier in the Championship.”
“Faletau joins the squad as it continues preparations for the match v England on Saturday 26 February KO 4.45pm live on ITV and S4C.”
The 86 times-capped forward, who will join Cardiff next season, started at blindside flanker against Wasps in Coventry and against Leicester Tigers at the Rec at the weekend.
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“He is like a chameleon,” said Bath forward coach Neal Hatley. “You put him in a level up and he just blends in.
“He has that innate ability that, whatever the quality of the players he is playing with, he is the best player on the pitch and he has done that for ages.”
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I think this is backwards thinking. I personally back more than 23 players to put in a worthy shift in an AB jersey. Expecting the same team to play every game is unnecessary. It obviously takes a toll. Other option is to take a risk and promote talent, give them a shot, coach them. Name a position where NZ rugby doesn't have a single player to step in against say Wales?, No disrespect intended.
Go to commentsIn relay races the Anchor Leg is the last leg, usually assigned to the fastest runner on the team. If only a rugby team with that philosophy had tried it in a World Cup and demonstrated its effectiveness by winning the competition. That would settle this discussion once and for all. You could call it something like The Bomb Squad.
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