Yahoo Sports More to come from fit-again Faletau - Sherratt
Wales may be sweating on injury concerns, but a major boost appears to have slipped quietly under the radar.
Taulupe Faletau is three appearances into his latest return from injuries that have put his career on hold since the 2023 World Cup.
A broken arm in their final pool match against Georgia was followed by a broken shoulder on his return for Cardiff.
The injuries and complications with his recovery have limited the number eight to just three hours of rugby in the last 15 months.
But Warren Gatland, already without several forwards, is almost certain to eagerly welcome back the veteran of 104 Wales caps when he names his Six Nations squad on Monday.
And Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt has no concerns for the three-time British and Irish Lions tourist after so long out.
"Taulupe is such a class act that I can't see why he won't be as good as ever," he said.
"He's a talented athlete and is still making breaks. But it's also his diligent work ethic behind the scenes, his understanding of the game and the fundamentals of the set-piece.
"It's just about us looking after him, keeping him fit and playing. It's great to have him back, but we can't just think that's great and play him every game. That's not good for him or anyone."
Gatland has been without Faletau for the entire 12-Test losing streak since that Georgia win in France.
Now aged 34, Faletau is likely to be the oldest member of the squad and among only four of the 20 forwards who won the 2021 Six Nations title in the running to start in Paris on Friday, 31 January.
But Sherratt believes age means little and added: "Just as we say with the younger players that they're old enough if they're good enough.
"Well the same applies to the older guys. If they're still good enough then they're young enough.
"He only has to look at [Cardiff centre] Ray Lee-Lo who is still going at 39 and playing some of his best ever rugby. So there's still plenty to come from Taulupe."
