Campaign Sport
Dragon Faletau tipped to be Six Nations star
9:30am Saturday 4th February 2012
IRELAND V WALES (Tomorrow KO 3pm)
DRAGONS back row ace Toby Faletau is being tipped to shine in this year’s Six Nations by Wales’ 2008 Grand Slam-winning captain Ryan Jones.
Jones is in the back row with 21-year-old World Cup star Faletau for the clash with Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium tomorrow.
Newport-born Jones replaces Dragons blindside flanker Dan Lydiate who has failed to overcome an ankle problem although he could feature in next weekend’s match against Scotland.
The 30-year-old Jones, who will win his 59th cap this weekend, was full of praise for No 8 Faletau who has put in some explosive displays for the Dragons this season.
These performances came on the back of a superb World Cup tournament in New Zealand where the Tongan-born star made a big name for himself drawing praise from respected pundits like All Blacks legend Graham Mourie.
Jones said he can see Faletau getting even better in this, his first Six Nations tournament.
“I think Toby is in great form,” he said. “He’s obviously playing very well with the Dragons and is starting to develop as a very good international player.
“We’ll see more of him in this campaign and hopefully he’ll keep doing those things he has been doing.”
And Jones, who also won the Grand Slam with Wales in 2005, thinks Faletau is more than just an impressive attacking threat.
“He’s a huge threat with the ball in hand and he is becoming very good defensively too,” Jones said.
“Toby is becoming a complete back rower which at this level is something that you need.”
“He’s a young kid with the world at his feet. It all bodes well for what is going to be a wonderful future I’d imagine.”
Wales have received a big boost ahead of their opening Six Nations clash tomorrow after outside-half Rhys Priestland and centre Jamie Roberts were both given the all clear to play. The important pair were major doubts for this weekend’s showdown after struggling with knee injuries.
Saracens prop Rhys Gill has been in excellent form for the Aviva Premiership champions and is rewarded with the No 1 shirt on the loosehead ahead of Paul James with Gethin Jenkins out with a knee injury.
Alex Cuthbert is chosen to replace Shane Williams on the wing.
Ebbw Vale-born hooker Huw Bennett will win his 50th cap with ex-Wales captain Matthew Rees out with a calf strain.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland hopes Lydiate will be fit to face Scotland in Cardiff a week tomorrow. “Dan’s not quite ready,” he said. “He might be ready next week but it’s an opportunity for Ryan Jones to give a really big performance at six.”