Faletau Returns as Cardiff Name Wales Veteran to Face Leinster in Dublin

Taulupe Faletau is back. Cardiff have named the Wales number eight in their starting line-up for Saturday night's United Rugby Championship trip to Leinster, marking his first appearance since a shoulder injury against the Sharks in March cut short an injury-blighted season that also included knee and calf problems.

The 35-year-old, who signed a new one-year contract with Cardiff in the summer, headlines seven changes made by head coach Corniel van Zyl for the visit to the redeveloped Laya Arena in Dublin, where the Blue and Blacks face the defending champions on the back of wins over Scarlets and Zebre. Captain Liam Belcher returns at hooker, full-back Matty Young is handed his URC debut, and Tonga forward Semisi Paea could make his first appearance off the bench.

Van Zyl was thrilled to welcome back a player of Faletau's stature. "It is great to have him back. When his name is on the team sheet, everybody rises a little bit," he said, while admitting the veteran is still managing a niggle. "He's struggling actually with a little bit of a niggle, but I'm pretty confident he'll get through to the game."

Leinster have recalled a host of Ireland internationals, including captain Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy and James Ryan, after opening their season with two defeats in South Africa. Cardiff will need Faletau at his imperious best — and the timing is significant, with Wales naming their Nations Championship squad on October 20.