Justin Tipuric hails ‘world class’ Taulupe Faletau after influential No 8 battled back from injury setbacks to weave his magic for Wales
- The Welsh back-rowers have played with each other for a decade
- Tipuric is delighted to see Faletau back to his best after serious injuries
- The pair are set to line-up in Six Nations clash against England on Saturday
Justin Tipuric has watched Taulupe Faletau cast a spell over opponents for years, and believes the No 8 is back to his conjuring best this Six Nations.
The Welsh back-rowers have played with each other for a decade and so Tipuric is delighted to see Faletau back to his best after twice breaking his arm and his collarbone in recent years.
‘He’s world class,’ said Tipuric.
Justin Tipuric has watched Taulupe Faletau (above) cast a spell over opponents for years
‘It’s just a bit of fun when we’re out there. He’s had a tough time with injuries, but it shows the tough character he is to keep on fighting.
‘Those injuries he had are nasty ones too. It never seems to knock him down. Some people would probably go into their shell, go a bit mad with themselves where he is a quiet guy that keeps getting on with it and working hard.
‘I’ve been lucky enough to play with him a few times and you learn what he’s thinking a bit, and what he’s doing.
‘When you’ve got someone like that on the side of you it’s about giving him the ball in space, letting him work his magic. He makes everyone else look good then.’
Welsh back-rowers Tipuric (above) and Faletau have played with each other for a decade
Wales look set to beat their own caps record for a starting XV once again this weekend, with George North winning his 100th cap alongside the returning Jonathan Davies in the centre with Josh Adams back from his ban and starting on the wing, as Mail Online revealed on Wednesday.
The side set to hit 902 caps is packed with players who have been there and done it against the English.
‘No matter what’s on the line, it’s always a big game for the Wales team,’ said Tipuric who is ready for his 10th England Test.
‘It’s a bit weird now, Wales v England in the stadium with no crowd, but it’s still up there in the pinnacle of any Welsh rugby player’s career.’
George North will win his 100th Wales cap against England in Cardiff on Saturday
And the Welsh feel freed up after two wins from two to start the Six Nations, summed by rapid winger Louis Rees-Zammit who is a hit on and off the field.
‘He’s had a lot of limelight at a young age, but he’s pretty grounded,’ said Tipuric on the 20-year-old.
‘He’s quite funny as well, fitted straight into the squad and shown the potential that we see every day in training.
‘He’s lightning quick – it’s not nice trying to chase him down in training every day, but it is nice when it’s happening to the opposition.’