Wales could be boosted by the return of Taulupe Faletau ahead of their Six Nations clash against England

A return of 91 International and British & Irish Lions caps over 11 years to any squad would make anyone ecstatic. This weekend, a resurgence for Wales and Bath star Taulupe Faletau has come perfectly timed for Wayne Pivac’s team.

It is safe to say that under Pivac’s reign of the Welsh squad, there has been a sense of underachievement. Out of the 24 games Pivac has been in charge, Wales have won 11 of those games.

Seven of those wins are against Italy or a tier-two nation. Another two of those wins could be argued to the luck of red cards, no strike anybody wants on their record.

Faletau can be the phoenix rising from the flames of what Pivac is currently overseeing. Having two starts in two weeks for Bath after a lengthy absence from playing has pushed his fitness immensely, playing in very high-tempo games.

Even though both games were losses, the performance Faletau helped Bath produce against Leicester Tigers just one weekend before Wales’ match against England cannot be overlooked.

Bath, bottom of the Premiership table and 43 points behind the league leaders Leicester, put in their best performance of the season together losing by only four points despite being down to 14 men for a portion of the game.

Wales, off the back of an underdog win against Scotland, have been lacking squad experience so far this Six Nations. Faletau’s know-how and knowledge of the game on-field certainly can be the key to beating an unconvincing England side that could form the foundations of a positive Six Nations and a helping hand to Pivac and his job.

The ability and control Faletau has over the ruck and ball carrying speed really strengthens Wales’ back-row with the standout performances Taine Basham has been having, becoming a real dual-mobility threat to any opponent.

Pivac was known for his attacking rugby at Scarlets which has wavered in recent years under the Wales role. The re-introduction of Faletau coming up against England, who are more attacking minded with the introduction of Marcus Smith along with their defensively questionable performances as of late, presents a real opportunity for this Wales squad.

Only time will tell whether or not this can be an influential return to the national team or if it is seen as a prayer from Pivac that is intended to take something from Warren Gatland’s time in charge and portray it as his own without working.

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