Taulupe Faletau removed himself from Wales selection as Gatland makes Jim Botham revelation
Warren Gatland is hopeful Taulupe Faletau will be available for the rest of the Six Nations after he made the personal decision to pull out of Wales' opener against France in Paris. The No. 8 had been nearing a Test return, having not featured for his country since the World Cup pool stage match against Georgia at the start of October 2023.
However, his wait for a 105th Welsh cap will go on, after he made the decision not to feature against France this weekend as he struggles with a knee injury.
Instead, Aaron Wainwright will wear the No. 8 jersey, with James Botham and Jac Morgan keeping their place on either flank from the autumn. Gatland revealed Botham was always his first-choice six for this match after his outstanding performances in the autumn.
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Despite Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt warning he would be "touch and go" for the Six Nations curtain-raiser, Gatland last week declared that Faletau was likely to be fit, with Liam Williams adding this week that he was "looking good" in training.
"He’s just not quite ready," said Gatland. "He made the call on Tuesday to say he’s not quite ready for selection.
"He’s still part of the squad and he’ll still come with us. We’re hoping he’ll be right for Italy."
When asked if Faletau would play some part in the rest of the Six Nations, Gatland added: "That’s the plan.
"He made the call and said I’ve got to put the team first. He’s not 100 per cent. His knee is a bit sore at the moment.
"He didn’t feel he’d be 100 per cent for Friday so he wanted some more time for Italy."
Gatland insisted that there were no other injury concerns, with Wainwright having missed out on the Dragons' recent European clash against the Lions with a leg injury.
But, with the implication being that Wainwright was actually in a shoot-out with Faletau for a starting place, Gatland claimed James Botham was always set to be a starter in Paris.
"He's (Wainwright) been fit for the whole time," he added. "In terms of selection, we were always going to pick Jim Botham.
"We thought he'd been outstanding recently, the way he's been playing and the physicality he brings to a game and his work-rate. He was always going to start at six."
