And arguably it’s the No.8 berth that sees a stellar cast list to easily rival any era in the oval ball game.
In Wales, Warren Gatland is blessed to have the back-row Goliath Taulupe Faletau at his disposal.
And when the Kiwi takes the Lions reins for their 2017 three-Test tour to world champions New Zealand next summer, he will have Faletau’s cousin Billy Vunipola pressing his own claims for the No.8 berth against the All Blacks with the Saracens star pulling up trees for club and Eddie Jones’ Grand Slam-winning England.
The 54-times capped battering ram moved across the Channel to Franklin’s Gardens at the peak of his powers and thinks playing in the Premiership will make him a better player.
It’s a frightening thought for Les Bleus’ Six Nations Championship rivals as at Test level, the former Toulose man hasn’t reached the peak of his powers.
The blockbusting back-rower, who revels in the physical aspect of the game with hits that could jump-start a Sherman Tank is one the biggest No.8saround tipping the scales at close to 20st and taking the tape measure out to 6ft 7ins.
Regularly excels at the base of the scrum, forming part of a perfectly balanced Welsh back-row next to Sam Warburton and defensive king Dan Lydiate.
Ousted Jamie Heaslip as first-choice with the successful Lions in 2013, Faletau is in pole position to be picked again on the tour to New Zealand next year.
And arguably it’s the No.8 berth that sees a stellar cast list to easily rival any era in the oval ball game.
In Wales, Warren Gatland is blessed to have the back-row Goliath Taulupe Faletau at his disposal.
And when the Kiwi takes the Lions reins for their 2017 three-Test tour to world champions New Zealand next summer, he will have Faletau’s cousin Billy Vunipola pressing his own claims for the No.8 berth against the All Blacks with the Saracens star pulling up trees for club and Eddie Jones’ Grand Slam-winning England.