Taulupe Faletau captained Wales to a decisive 38 - 14 victory over Italy on 11 March. One of the highlights of the game occurred when Faletau flattened Italian flyhalf Tommaso Allan with a tremendous tackle that caused the ball to spill loose.

Faletau assumed team captaincy from lock forward Alun Wyn Jones – who was being rested by Welsh Coach Warren Gatland. Alun Wyn Jones is expected to resume leadership against France this weekend in the final round of the Six Nations Championship.

Faletau said in a statement before the game: "Being here is a dream in itself and getting a chance to lead the team is a bonus. It is a huge honour and I am grateful to have the opportunity."

"I was a bit stunned when Warren asked me and I've only been captain once before at the Dragons (Newport Dragons). But after thinking about it, it is definitely something I would have probably regretted not doing. So the obvious answer was saying yes.”