Taulupe Faletau makes comeback from injury for Bath against Sale Sharks

Bath Rugby have received a much needed boost ahead of their Premiership clash against Sale Sharks to be played at Recreation Ground on Saturday with Wales international Taulupe Faletau returning to the starting line-up after recovering from a clavicle injury.

Faletau last played for Wales in March last year and had a tough time with injuries. A fractured arm kept him out of the autumn internationals last year and suffered another injury setback ahead of the Six Nations earlier this year.

His latest collarbone injury that he sustained during a training camp ruled him out of Wales' World Cup campaign where his side finished fourth. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old returning from injury will also be a shot in the arm for Wales ahead of their Six Nations campaign early next year.

Faletau takes the place of Josh Bayliss at number eight while Francois Louw also makes a return in the place of Sam Underhill at openside flanker.

Bath Rugby starting line-up: 15 Tom Homer, 14 Semesa Rokoduguni, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Anthony Watson, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Will Chudley, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Francois Louw (c), 6 Tom Ellis, 5 Elliott Stooke, 4 Josh McNally, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Tom Dunn, 1 Beno Obano

Reserves: 16 Jack Walker, 17 Lewis Boyce, 18 Christian Judge, 19 Matt Garvey, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Chris Cook, 22 Freddie Burns, 23 Aled Brew