Faletau wants Wales to fully flourish

WALES captain Taulupe Faletau wants a new-look team to express themselves and showcase their talent in this afternoon’s Six Nations clash against Italy in Cardiff.

Faletau has admitted he was ‘stunned’ when Wales head coach Warren Gatland asked him to skipper his country for the first time.

But the 70 times-capped No 8 is also relishing an opportunity to help Wales rediscover winning ways following successive losses to England and Ireland.

Wales are seeking a 12th win on the bounce at Italy’s expense, and a bonus-point victory at the Principality Stadium would keep Faletau and company in contention for a top-two finish in this championship.

‘The boys have done some really good things in the last couple of games we’ve played,’ said Faletau, who returns from injury to take charge of a Wales side containing Test newcomer James Davies along with other full Six Nations debutants in centre Owen Watkin and hooker Elliot Dee.

‘We’ve seen in phases how exciting we can be and, for this game, the challenge is to build on that.

‘It’s just about working on what we’ve been doing in training and express yourself.’

Faletau, who has recovered from knee trouble, joins his fellow British and Irish Lions Test players George North and Justin Tipuric in being handed starts by Gatland as Wales look to inflict a fourth defeat of the Six Nations season on Italy.

‘It’s good to be back out there with the boys, and to be given the opportunity to play again is awesome,’ added Faletau. ‘Hopefully we can get a good performance and result.

‘It is a huge honour to be given this opportunity, and I am looking forward to it.

‘Being here is a dream in itself, and getting a chance to lead the team is a bonus.

‘I’ve had to say a few more things now and again, but all in all, it has been pretty much the same approach to a Test game.’