Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Rugby World Cup 2023: Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau finding form as Australia loom in Lyon

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Monday, 18 September 2023 14:00

Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau says he is growing into the World Cup after returning from a calf injury.

Faletau, 32, is two games into his comeback after being ruled of Wales' three warm-up matches in August.

He highlighted an impressive display in the 28-8 win against Portugal by claiming Wales' bonus-point try, while he also made a try-saving tackle.

"The more I play, the better I feel and can get myself into the games," said Faletau.

The Cardiff number eight, who has played 102 internationals for Wales, has described the squad's sense of belief and confidence after taking maximum bonus-point wins against Fiji and Portugal.

Wales are closing in on a fourth successive World Cup quarter-final appearance - victory over Australia in Lyon on Sunday would clinch a knockout place.

"With the work we have done we are very confident in the group of what we can do," said Faletau.

"That is our approach going forward with each game - knowing the work we have put in and backing that.

"The togetherness we have built in that time together will put us in good stead."

While Wales are in control of their World Cup destiny, Eddie Jones' Australia have entered the last-chance saloon following a 22-15 loss to Fiji.

It was Fiji's first triumph against the Wallabies since 1954, and Australia are hovering on the brink of a pool-stage exit for the first time.

When it comes to the World Cup action, Wales and Australia are familiar rivals, having played each other seven times.

And while Australia lead that particular series 5-2, Wales have won three of the last four in all competitions.

"We have got to concentrate on ourselves," said Faletau.

"There will be a lot to work on from the Portugal game and we will look to make those improvements going into Australia.

"With the time we have had together there is definitely belief within the group. In each game we believe we can get a result against any team on the day.

"We will take confidence from the two wins, but there is definitely plenty to work on going into Australia."

What is at stake for Wales in Lyon

Australia's defeat against Fiji means Wales are four points clear at the top of Pool C.

If teams finish on the same amount of match points at the end of the group stages, it will depend on a series of criteria.

That starts with head-to-head results before points difference, try difference, points scored and tries scored, in that order, come into play.

Wales' destiny is in their hands as they need a maximum of seven points from two more games - against the Wallabies and Georgia - to guarantee winning the group.

If Wales defeat Australia they will secure quarter-final qualification by definitely finishing in the top two in the pool.

That would maintain their impressive record under head coach Warren Gatland of reaching the knockout phase in every World Cup campaign he has overseen for Wales.

A defeat by Australia and not picking up a losing bonus point would mean Wales' fate being taken out of their hands as the pool stage progresses.

Wales' Pool C campaign ends against Georgia in Nantes on Saturday, 7 October.

Read 119 times

Soccer

Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL Championship

Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL Championship

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Barbra Banda's goal stood up as the winner to l...

Ipswich vs Man United: VAR stopped by fire alarm

Ipswich vs Man United: VAR stopped by fire alarm

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsVAR was temporarily suspended during Manchester United's clash at I...

Amorim era begins with fastest Utd goal of season

Amorim era begins with fastest Utd goal of season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRúben Amorim was made to wait just 81 seconds for the first goal of...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsScotty Pippen Jr. already had plenty of fond memories of watching h...

Ball's career-best 50 not enough as Hornets fall

Ball's career-best 50 not enough as Hornets fall

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLaMelo Ball became the third-youngest player in NBA history, and th...

Baseball

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Outfielder Austin Hays and right-hander Kyle Finnegan -...

Judge giving Soto space amid free agency frenzy

Judge giving Soto space amid free agency frenzy

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Aaron Judge is one of the few people on Earth who can r...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated