Still play’ – Faletau reveals his fears

career, and with the management I’ve had I have known how to deal with those situations.”

Faletau, 29, looked on course to feature at the World Cup before suffering the collarbone issue and he admits that it hit him hard.

“Immediately, it was tough,” he added.

“I hadn’t played any rugby (following a previous injury) and that made it tougher as I thought I would be available to play some of the friendly games before the World Cup to see if I could have a chance to put my hand up.

“It didn’t get to that stage. It was a tough one, that. The boys did well in the (2019) Six Nations and I would have liked to have added to that if I could have, but I didn’t get the chance.

“Out of the two arms and knees (injuries) it was the collarbone which hurt the most.”

Since returning to action with

Parkes, Dan Biggar, Tomos Williams or even taking passes on his wing, McNicholl is going to be vitally important to how Wales play.

Much of the debate this weekend will revolve around how North fares in midfield.

But keep an eye out for McNicholl and the work he does off his wing. Not just against Italy, but the rest of the tournament.

He could well be a dark horse for one of the finds of the Six Nations if it clicks.

And if it does, North may not have a wing to come back to once he’s done in the centre.

Bath recently, Faletau has wasted little time confirming his world-class ability, and Wales fans are now about to welcome him back.

“When you are away for that length of time, I guess I will look forward to it more,” he said.

“Running out in front of that crowd is amazing, and there is no place like the Principality Stadium.

“I’ve been away for a while, and more now than ever I will try to make the most of the times I do get to play.”