1
'If he can get through some 'big load' days in training next week, he could be good to go'
By Peter Hanson
Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder expects Taulupe Faletau to be fit for Wales' Six Nations campaign and has offered a positive injury update on England's Jonathan Joseph.
Faletau returned after 13 weeks out with a broken arm in Bath's 18-16 European Rugby Champions Cup triumph over Wasps and the barnstorming back-rower was in impressive form.
Wales begin their Six Nations campaign against France in Paris on February 1, and Blackadder expects him to join up with Warren Gatland's squad.
"Yes [he will be ready for the Six Nations], I think so. They know he's a class player. He looks spot-on now," Blackadder said.
"He's been training as he always does. He just grows another arm and a leg when he gets out there on the field!
"He looked great, didn't he? Really sharp. If only we could have given him more ball.
"I have to give a big pat on the back to our strength and conditioning staff, for the work they do behind the scenes in getting the guys ready.
"Before the game, he was really, really nervous. But it's good to see those nerves from an experienced guy like him."
England centre Joseph may also be fit for the tournament, with Blackadder saying he could return to Bath's squad next weekend after missing nine months of action following ankle surgery.
"If he can get through some 'big load' days in training next week, he could be good to go," he added.
"He trained really well this week and is looking very sharp."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
3
Exclusive RugbyPass interview: Toulon co-captain David Ribbans
4
'One of the deadliest wingers in rugby' has decided his future
5
Latest Comments
McKenzie is better than Barrett , but not better than Richie Mo'unga. Richie regularly outplayed DMac in Super Rugby. , as he did in the 2023 Final in Hamilton. I remember the 2021 Aotearoa Super Rugby Final here in CHCH. Mo'unga took him to the cleaners. McKenzie is a fine footballer , but at best a hybrid 10 . Fergus Burke , ( now playing in England ), who made a big difference when he came back late in the Crusaders season , is a better 10 than DMac. I also think 140 game + Crusader Matt Todd was always a better no 7 than Sam Cane.A big part of 3 title winning teams when South African teams were still in the comp. How many titles did the Chiefs win in that period of time?
Go to commentsAre there actually any japanese at all in the courageous flowers?
Go to comments