Gavin Thomas thinks Toby Faletau will become world’s best flanker – Rugby news
Wales international flanker, Gavin Thomas, has termed Newport Gwent Dragons back row forward, Toby Faletau, as a pure talent that Welsh rugby found after a number of years. Thomas has hinted that the Dragons flanker become the world’s best in a few years
time.
Thomas and Faletau currently are the team-mates at Newport Gwent Dragons. Thomas, with more than a decade of experience, has made 33 appearances for Wales so far.
Toby Faletau also made his debut for the Newport Gwent Dragons in November 2009 as he took the field against Edinburgh. Later in the year, Faletau was named to Wales Under-20 squad to participate in the 2010 under-20 six nations tournament.
He also represented Wales in the Rugby Junior World Cup in Argentina played in June 2010. Faletau’s phenomenal skills alongside his speed impressed the Wales national rugby team selectors. After his excellent performances during the 2010 Six Nations and
during the Rugby World Cup, he earned his call in the national side after injuries to Wales preferred flankers Ryan Jones and Rob McCusker.
Thomas has praised the 20-year-old Faletau’s techniques and attacking abilities. In his opinion, Faletau plays like the All Blacks particularly with his body angles and ball handling.
According to Thomas, Faletau has the basic ingredients to become the world’s best, however for this he needs to work hard and needs proper mentoring. He said, “Toby can be as good as he wants to be. If he trains hard and gets the right people around him
he will be a brilliant player, better than Wales has seen for a long time.”
Dragons currently are at the seventh position in the Irish domestic rugby league known as the Magners League. They have so far played 21 matches during the 2010/11 season and won 10 games. This includes victories over the Ospreys and Blues in their last
two home games.
Thomas, with 24 international appearances, will be assisting Faletau during his maiden Rugby World Cup later in the year. In 2010, Thomas was recalled into the Welsh national rugby team after an absence of four years.
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