I fear Wales will struggle to cope without Faletau

“Navidi could do a job at No.8 but no doubt seven is his best position”

I WAS already concerned last week about Wales’ Six Nations chances given the huge number of injuries they’ve been sustaining, specifically in the back row.

So while we’re approaching Christmas and in the festive cheer, please excuse me for being down in the dumps following the news of Taulupe Faletau’s knee problem.

The No.8’s absence for what looks like being most of the tournament next year is a colossal blow for Warren Gatland. It leaves Wales very much up against it.

For me, Faletau is the second best No.8 in the world behind Kieran Read. He’s that good, a truly gifted athlete and we saw with the British & Irish Lions tour that he truly is world class.

While Wales have a number of top players, who to some degree can be replaced relatively easily, Faletau isn’t one of them. Simply put, I doubt our ability to cope without him.

Wales will talk of the opportunity for others to impress in Faletau’s absence, but the truth is we don’t want injuries now. Warren will know that privately and lament the fact he won’t be able to put his strongest side out on the park. That’s particularly galling in a competition as important as the Six Nations.

The problem I’ve got when I think about Wales’ first game with Scotland is that I’m struggling to come up with someone who can step into the No.8 shirt.

The obvious solution would be Ross Moriarty, but he’s injured and there’s absolutely no guarantee he’ll be fit for the Six Nations.

That’s another concern because his back problem doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of getting better. Lock/flanker Seb Davies played No.8 against Georgia, but it would be too big an ask for a 21-year-old to begin a Six Nations opener in an unusual position.

Dan Baker also seems to be someone who is constantly out of action and if truth be told that leaves the cupboard pretty bare. It means, perhaps, that Josh Navidi will have to step in.

Josh has played No.8 plenty of times for Cardiff Blues and I’ve noticed he’s really worked on his upper body strength to get even bigger and star at international level.

He could do a job there, but I think the November Tests did show that he’s an out-and-out openside. He was superb against the best teams in the world, slowing down their ball, making carries, and causing a constant nuisance at the breakdown.

There is no doubt in my mind seven is his best position, but at the moment with Wales it’s a case of needs must.

With Faletau now joining Sam Warburton and Jonathan Davies – and potentially others – set to be absent for the whole Six Nations, I’m worried about how Wales are going to fair in February and March. Warren has a problem, but it’s in these situations where he earns his corn.