WALES legend Neil Jenkins today admitted that it was hard to believe Taulupe Faletau had been out of action given the way he has performed in training with the national squad.

Former Newport Gwent Dragons ace Faletau could make a sensational return to the international arena this Saturday when Wales face South Africa in Cardiff.

The number-eight has only played 67 minutes of competitive rugby this season after picking up a knee injury playing for Bath at Northampton in September.

He had just under an hour on the pitch for his club in the Aviva Premiership last Friday and has re-joined the Wales set-up, having been released to get some game time under his belt.

The back row is one area where Wales are blessed with strength in depth, with Ross Moriarty and James King featuring at eight in the three autumn fixtures so far.

“I think Toby’s a ridiculously good rugby player,” said Wales kicking coach Jenkins.

“Watching him in training, it doesn’t look like he has been out.

“He only played 55 minutes (for Bath) but he’s a class act, a world-class number eight, one of the best on the planet.

“For us to have him fit and back in the mix, and back training, is a fantastic addition to our squad.”

Jenkins was in the Wales team that toppled the Springboks for the first time ever in 1999.

Tries for Mark Taylor and Gareth Thomas, both set up by passes from Jenkins, helped Graham Henry’s side clinch a famous 29-19 win.

“It’s a long time ago,” added Jenkins. “I think there was only 27,000 there (the stadium hadn’t been finished) but I remember the noise the crowd brought that day.

“It was the first game at the Millennium Stadium and there was an incredible atmosphere, even though the stadium was nowhere near being half full.

“I was lucky to be involved that day and we took the opportunities when they came.

“We also managed to do it a couple of years ago (2014), and hopefully we front up and are ready to go on Saturday.

“It will be a very tough encounter on Saturday but we are more than capable of getting over the line again.”