Taulupe Faletau has played his way back into Wales contention after an outstanding individual performance for Cardiff in their 28-12 defeat to Northampton Saints.
This was the 35-year-old's first game back since March and he was excellent in his 56 minutes on the park. The Wales legend made 13 carries, consistently getting over the gainline off the back of a retreating scrum.
Faletau impresses on return
Steve Tandy names his squad for the Nations Championship tomorrow and Faletau has given the Wales boss plenty of food for thought with a typically superb showing after so long out of the game.
Despite Faletau's best efforts, Cardiff weren't able to get over the line against the English champions but head coach Corniel van Zyl thought there was plenty of positives to take out of the performance.
"The first-half we had a few injuries and we couldn't get the points," he told Premier Sports. "The try that was disallowed probably took a bit of momentum out if it. It's not an easy place to come to, to the Prem champs, and ultimately we can keep our heads high."
Northampton praise young players
Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson praised his young players for stepping up after his much-changed team defeated Cardiff 28-12 in the Investec Champions Cup. Dowson rested Henry Pollock, Tommy Freeman and Alex Coles and named Fin Smith on the bench for their European opener, with one eye on next Saturday's East Midlands derby at Leicester.
Despite the changes, Northampton were able to finally record a first victory for a Gallagher Prem team in the competition after seven failed attempts from their fellow English sides.
"It's always exciting to see people on that journey – James Pater and Charlie Ulcoq playing their first European game is exciting and we try and make sure they know how special that is," Dowson said. "Everyone at this time of year wants to go deep in both tournaments, whether it's league or cup or whatever else, and we're no different. We're going to have to trust the squad, we're going to have to use the depth, we're going to have to give people opportunities and see how they react to pressure."
Tries from Pater and Toby Thame put Northampton into a 14-0 lead at half-time, but Harri Millard went over early in the second half to give Cardiff hope. Mason Grady's walk-in moved them to within two points, but George Hendy's crucial try settled Saints, who wrapped up victory late on through Fraser Dingwall's score.
Scarlets boosted by returning forwards
Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies is backing the return of key forwards to make a major difference as his side look to kick on in the coming weeks. The Scarlets started the season without the likes of Fletcher Anderson and Taine Plumtree but with the influential duo returning, along with new Kiwi signings Tom Allen and Cullen Grace set to arrive soon, things are looking up for the west Walians.
The Scarlets thrashed Newcastle Red Bulls 47-14 in the opening round of the Challenge Cup but face a demanding trip to South Africa in the United Rugby Championship over the next fortnight.
"We started the season with six or seven quality forwards not available to us, they are starting to come back and it's about adding real depth and competition to the squad," said Davies. "You saw that with Taine (Plumtree), his first action was to take that kick-off (high above his head), that is the type of quality you want."
Davies is hoping his side can get a good return from their South African tour where they face the Stormers in Cape Town and the Bulls in Pretoria. "We know what we can do with the ball, we know we have the ability to score tries, but I was really pleased with our work off the ball tonight. Defensively it was one of our best performances so far," he said. "It takes a long time to build a successful side and that was a step forward. It was as good as we could have expected, but it's just the start in this competition. We know we still have a lot of work to do, but that performance will stand us in good stead going to South Africa."
