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Twitter: Welsh fans' somewhat surprising reaction to Taulupe Faletau injury
By Josh Raisey
Welsh fans on social media are remaining upbeat despite the news that number eight Taulupe Faletau will miss the World Cup with a clavicle injury which requires surgery.
This is the latest installment in a catalogue of injuries for the 28-year-old over the past three years. He has suffered extensively with knee injuries, and has not played any test rugby over the past year due to a twice-broken arm.
While this is a huge loss for Wales, as it has been over the past year, Warren Gatland has had plenty of preparation in playing without him. Wales won a Grand Slam, beat Australia and South Africa and enjoyed the bulk of their 14-match winning streak without the 72-cap forward, and while this is a bitter blow for the team, there is evidence that they can cope without him.
Ross Moriarty has deputised very well when Falatau has not been able to play, and with the bruising power of Josh Navidi in the back-row as well, Wales still can provide the brute force up front that Faletau brings.
That is why Welsh fans on Twitter are not too dismayed by this news. Of course, there are some that are rightfully worried, but this is not as calamitous as it would have been in 2015, for example.
Nonetheless, the two-time British and Irish Lions tourist is a world-class talent, and arguably Wales’ best player when fit. His problem over the past few years is that he has been ravaged by injury. The silver lining there is that it has given the squad time to prepare for his absence.
This has been the reaction:
Of course, all involved with Welsh rugby will be aware that this is a major loss, particularly given the confidence that Wales have going into the tournament. Faletau brings class and experience to the team, and he has seemingly been around forever despite only being 28.
But in spite of the Bath man’s class, many fans have confidence in the depth of the squad going into the World Cup.
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Latest Comments
This France team is as good as they were when they went into the World Cup as favorites. Have gone through a rebuild of confidence and rediscovered that form.
Neither England nor Ireland will trouble this team in the 6N. That’s my prediction.
And I guess about time too. Considering that France has won but one 6N title in 6 seasons despite being the best French team for generations thriving off the platform which is the Top 14.
They must just beware of peaking too soon and going to Australia over confident.
Which is also why I thinks it’s absolutely bonkers that France isn’t sending there best players to New Zealand next year. Yes, it isn’t Australia, but getting some SH travel experience makes more sense than not.
Go to commentsI'm not meaning to criticise the players, it's a professional game, this is their livelihood so all power to them. I am aiming criticism at the selectors. Italy is the perfect opportunity to give players of the future a game such as Lakai, Love etc. There is a finite number of tests until the next world cup to develop the team, we are wasting one today.
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