## Wales Face Nervous Wait on Taulupe Faletau as Key Player Misses Training Ahead of Second Japan Test
Wales’ preparations for the decisive second Test against Japan have been overshadowed by concerns about the fitness of their influential No. 8, Taulupe Faletau. The seasoned Cardiff forward was a standout performer during last weekend’s narrow 24-19 defeat to Japan in Kitakyushu, yet questions have arisen after he was absent from an outdoor training session in Kobe on Tuesday.
Faletau, now 34, remains a central figure in Warren Gatland’s plans, especially as Wales aim to end a frustrating 18-match winless streak. His impressive performance last Saturday saw him directly involved in setting up two of Wales’ three tries, underlining his continued importance to the national side. Nevertheless, his substitution after 56 minutes – limping off amid intense heat and humidity – has sparked speculation over his readiness for the upcoming fixture.
The Welsh coaching staff were quick to play down any injury concerns. Scrum coach Adam Jones attributed Faletau’s absence from training to fatigue rather than any major setback, describing the move as a precaution for a player with such an extensive international career. “He is good, he was tired after the game and did not train today,” Jones explained. “He is an older athlete and done what he has done in his career. He is entitled to have a little bit of break.”
Despite not taking part in on-field training, Faletau has remained engaged with other elements of the team’s preparations. This approach highlights a growing trend in modern rugby, where the management of veteran players’ workloads is seen as crucial to maximising their impact on the pitch. “If you don’t look after those older players, they will break; so we are just looking after him, which is a key thing,” added Jones. “If I was a 34-year-old player for Wales and someone offered me a session off I would bite their hand off.”
There is no hiding the fact that Faletau’s potential absence for the Kobe Test would be a significant blow. The Cardiff No. 8’s influence extends beyond his on-ball exploits, as his experience and composed presence provide a rallying point for the squad. “He is a brilliant player. I remember when he came through,” Jones reminisced. “He has not really changed much with his movement, the rugby IQ. He is not massively vocal but he has a brilliant follow-me characteristic where the boys see in him and get behind him.”
With Faletau’s immense value to the team laid bare, the Welsh camp appears determined to give him every chance to prove his match fitness ahead of Saturday’s game. Allowing more experienced athletes additional recovery time is not uncommon in the rugby world, particularly late in gruelling tours or after matches played in testing conditions.
While Wales continue to struggle for form and seek a morale-boosting result to conclude their season, the spotlight remains fixed on how the team will line up in Kobe. Should Faletau be ruled out, the task for Wales will become even steeper, with a relatively young squad dependent on his seasoned leadership and technical skills.
For now, the Welsh management are keeping public assurances calm, aiming to dispel any sense of panic. Still, supporters may have to wait until closer to kick-off for a definitive answer regarding Faletau’s availability for what promises to be a crucial encounter.
The forthcoming days will not only test Wales’ resilience without their talismanic forward but also their adaptability as a squad seeking to rediscover winning ways on the international stage. As attention shifts to training updates and team announcements, Faletau’s presence – or absence – could well tip the balance in this closely contested series.