Wales's Faletau eyeing South Africa clash

Wales No 8 Taulupe Faletau could return to international duty against South Africa next weekend after making his comeback from injury for English Premiership side Bath on Friday.

Faletau marked his return after 10 weeks out with a medial knee ligament strain by playing 55 minutes -- a stint agreed with the Welsh management -- of Bath's 16-9 Premiership win at home to west country rivals Bristol. 

"It was good to be out there," said Faletau. "I'd have liked it to be longer. "I'm going back in (to the Wales camp) on Monday, after seeing how the boys get on tomorrow (Saturday, against Japan in Cardiff)."

Faletau, considering his recovery from injury, added: "It's been good from my point of view. The coaches at both Bath and Wales have been in contact with each other and that has kept things going smoothly.

"If I'm required next week, I'll be happy to give it a crack."

Bath coach Todd Blackadder was delighted to see Faletau back on the field, saying: "I thought he was really solid without being outstanding. He did the basics really well. It was good to see him get through those minutes, wasn't it?"

Asked whether Faletau could face South Africa, former All Blacks forward Blackadder said: "I think that will be the plan but that will be Wales's call. He came through the game really well. He's a world-class player and he just needed to get those minutes under his belt for his confidence. He'll be better for the run."

Defeat meant bottom of the table Bristol had lost all eight of their league game so far this season.

They are now in danger of being cast adrift in the lone relegation place and acting head coach Mark Tainton, who replaced Andy Robinson after Bristol dismissed the former England and Scotland boss, said: "We were disappointed not to win the game or get a draw at the end but, as we know, every point is crucial in the position we're in."

Source: AFP