Wales sweating on Taulupe Faletau as star's absence in training explained
The No. 8 was Wales' best player in the first Test defeat to Japan last Saturday
Taulupe Faletau carries against Japan in Kitakyushu
(Image: Getty Images )
Wales will give Taulupe Faletau as much time as possible to prove his fitness ahead of the second Test against Japan, after the talismanic No. 8 missed their outdoor training session in Kobe on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old was Wales' best player in their 24-19 defeat in Kitakyushu last Saturday, having a hand in two of Wales' three tries. However, he was replaced after 56 minutes, visibly limping in the extreme heat and humidity.
Wales insisted that the change was tactical, but the fact that Faletau didn't train today on-field with the team will raise doubts over whether he'll be involved for their final Test of the season.
"He is good, he was tired after the game and did not train today," said scrum coach Adam Jones.
"He is an older athlete and done what he has done in his career. He is entitled to have a little bit of break."
Faletau has taken part in other facets of Wales' preparation as Wales look to give him as much time as possible to prove his fitness.
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Jones dismissed the idea that Faletau missing training could affect his selection this weekend. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack for the exclusive five-week tour diary from Japan and Australia.
"He has played more than 100 internationals and been a Test match player since 2011," he added.
"If you don't look after those older players they will break so we are just looking after him which is a key thing.
"If I was a 34-year-old player for Wales and someone offered me a session off I would bite their hand off."
The Cardiff No. 8 was superb in Kitakyushu and would be crucial again if fit to play in Kobe, as Wales look to end an 18-Test losing run.
"He is a brilliant player. I remember when he came through," said Jones.
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"He has not really changed much with his movement, the rugby IQ.
"He is not massively vocal but he has a brilliant follow-me characteristic where the boys see in him and get behind him.
"He has been excellent for us and we just need the boys to back him up a little bit at times.'
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