Faletau has timed run for selection to perfection

TAULUPE Faletau has returned to his best form right on cue to seal Lions selection, says his Bath boss Todd Blackadder.

Blackadder is convinced the Wales No.8 will make Warren Gatland’s squad for the tour of New Zealand.

Kiwi director of rugby Blackadder admits Faletau has had a tough season, with knee ligament damage consigning him to two spells on the sidelines.

He had to settle for a spot on the bench during the Six Nations, with Ross Moriarty retaining the Wales No 8 jersey, leaving some to question whether he might make the Lions cut, with the back row such a competitive area.

But, on the weekend, the fitagain Faletau was back to his old self, as he produced a two-try Man of the Match performance in Bath’s Challenge Cup quarter-final victory over Brive.

Blackadder believes the only way is up now for the former Dragons star and he fully expects him to be included in the Lions squad when it is named on April 19.

“You can see the switch has been flicked and we are only going to see fantastic rugby from him,” the 12-cap All Black told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I think he’s one of the best number eights in the world. Warren Gatland knows him really well and knows what he is capable of.

“I think he will be a Lion, I really do. He has had a tough year, to be honest. Things haven’t quite gone his way. When he did play for us we weren’t exactly firing and then him getting his injury and not getting a lot of time for Wales.

“But I thought there was a mindset shift last weekend. He looked like he was back in the groove.

“I thought he was pretty special and that was just an appetiser of what he is capable of. He’s only going to get better.”

Faletau is happy to have put his injury problems behind him and is eager to push on, as Bath set their sights on challenging for European and domestic silverware.

They are through to a Challenge Cup semi-final against Stade Francais and lie fifth in the Aviva Premiership, just behind Leicester who they host at The Rec on Saturday.

“There have been a few setbacks this season, but it’s good to be out there and it’s what we enjoy doing, so the more chances we get to do it the better,” said the 26-year-old.

Definitely maybe?: The latest in race to be a Lion – Pages 42&43