Wales number eight Toby Faletau believes he is not quite playing at the top of his game so far in the Six Nations.
The 2012 Grand Slam champions bounced back from an opening day defeat to Ireland with wins over France and Italy away from home, with Faletau coming out on top in his individual battles against Louis Picamoles and Manoa Vosawai.
However, Faletau feels he has a lot more to bring to the table in the remaining Six Nations matches, as the race for a spot on the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia hots up.
"I wouldn't say that I am playing well. I'd give myself a five out of 10 for the championship so far," said Faletau to BBC Sport.
"I am just hanging in there and taking each game as it comes.
"I think there is plenty of room for improvement in my game. I just have to keep working hard on all parts of my game. My stats are good, but that's nothing big.
"I don't really bother with them too much. They are not always a fair reflection of how things are going."
Faletau's next opponent will be Scotland number eight Johnnie Beattie, with the Montpellier forward in a fine run of form for club and country.
"He's [Beattie] a really good player, athletic and dynamic. He carries well, quick and powerful," added Faletau.
"I've had this throughout the tournament - they are all big guys and there have been some great challenges.
"Louis Picamoles has been outstanding for France. He is lethal with ball in hand and is so hard to stop, and I think Beattie has been the same. He is powerful at carrying and in defence."
Comments
firepower says...
good luck bro. ofa atu
Posted 20:37 07th March 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
PERFECTLY UNDERSTANDABLE.
Posted 17:26 07th March 2013
Fonzarelli says...
Hmmm, think Mr Falatau might have half an eye on a family reunion at the Millenium. Whilst he is infinitely fitter than his cousins, he doesn't really have that ability to bosh the first defender off.
Falatau vs Billy Vunipola would be a potential Lions match up, though I guess Ben Morgan would be in line for a recall by the time the Cardiff trip comes around.
Still would like to see him in Oz, even if he is playing at 6 instead of 8.
Posted 14:21 07th March 2013