Faletau ready for Six Nations as Joseph closes on comeback

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.”

What a dramatic conclusion at The Rec @WaspsRugby winning until the end, when @Rhys_Priestland slotted a penalty to clinch victory from the jaws of defeat for @bathrugby #ChampionsCup man of the match?  pic.twitter.com/zO9WU3mEjq

— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) January 12, 2019

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.”

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