Taulupe Faletau: Wales wait on fitness of number eight for Japan Test in Kobe

Faletau has been involved in certain aspects of Wales’ preparations for the second match in the two Test series.

When asked whether missing a training session could affect his selection, Jones said: “With him, no. He has played more than 100 internationals and been a Test match player since 2011.

“If you don’t look after those older players they will break so we are just looking after him which is a key thing.

“If I was a 34-year-old player for Wales and someone offered me a session off, I would bite their hand off. “

Cardiff number eight Faletau has played 109 internationals for Wales and is the tourists’ most experienced performer.

He was one of Wales’ leading players in Kitakyushu but could still not help his side suffer an 18th successive international loss.

“He is a brilliant player,” said Jones, who played with Faletau for both Wales and the Lions.

“I remember when he came through. He has not really changed much with his movement, the rugby IQ.

“He is not massively vocal but he has a brilliant follow-me characteristic which the boys see in him and get behind him.

“He has been excellent for us and we just need the boys to back him up a little bit at times.”