Wales centre Thomas to miss Nations Championship restart

Whether Faletau proves his fitness remains to be seen after another false start before Cardiff's 29-5 United Rugby Championship (URC) defeat against Leinster in Dublin last Saturday.

Faletau was named in their starting line-up on Thursday afternoon, although van Zyl admitted the Wales number eight still had a few boxes to tick because of niggles.

Cardiff made the call not to field the 35-year-old for the first time since a shoulder injury suffered at Sharks in March just before kick-off on Saturday.

"He was probably just a little bit uncomfortable in himself and the way he felt about his readiness to play the game," said van Zyl.

"That's always what we say about players being honest, and that's the way I want to approach everything.

"Being honest with each other, and if you're not ready to go, then say it. That is exactly what happened.

"There are no major concerns in terms of long-term injuries or not being available potentially this week. There are no concerns of that."

When asked whether he will play in the next couple of weeks, van Zyl replied: "I believe so, 100%.

"That's definitely the plan. Like I said, it's nothing new, it's just whether we get him to a game."

Whether that is enough for Tandy to consider the three times British and Irish Lions tourist remains to be seen.

Before Wales meet up, Cardiff have two games, with an away trip to play Northampton on Sunday in Europe's Champions Cup opener before hosting Sharks five days later in the URC.

In-form Taine Basham was a very late inclusion for Faletau, having travelled to Dublin just in case of a late absence.

Basham continued his strong start to the season as his side's most dynamic carrier.

"I have to take my hat off for Taine because it was less than a minute to kick-off and then all of a sudden he had to strap his legs and put his mouth guard in," said van Zyl.

"It was pleasing to see how he reacted to that situation and he performed really well, so credit to his character."

Basham, 26, won the last of his 17 Wales caps against England in the 2024 Six Nations.

He is the form number eight in Welsh domestic rugby and faces a battle for selection in the competitive back-row area.

Van Zyl believes Wales will consider Basham's credentials.

"If you look at the back end of last season, where he came into his own, and this season's form, I've got no doubt they will definitely look at him," said van Zyl.