The current IRB World Player of the Year is set to return to his regular number eight position at the Millennium Stadium after he sat out last weekend’s 24-16 triumph over Scotland.
Warren Gatland has recalled Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb to the back-line after all his offensive options were passed fit for Saturday’s clash. And Read is braced for an attacking onslaught.
He said: “Wales have a really attacking mindset. They scored some good tries against Australia.
“That’s the difference between them and the other northern hemisphere teams, England and Scotland have kicked a lot more against us. They’ll come at us physically which is what northern hemisphere teams do, but I’m sure they will attack.”
Taulupe Faletau is the man tasked with Read’s threat this weekend after Wales’ Mr. Consistent was selected for an 11th successive test match.
The Dragons’ back-rower sees Read as the benchmark for no.8’s, but the man himself is wary of what Faletau brings to the table.
He said: “I’ve been really impressed with Toby Faletau, he’s improved as a player and he’s still young. He’s been around for a few years, he’s learning the game and he’s certainly a strong presence for them.
“He gets over the gain-line and loves to carry the ball so he’s certainly a player we’ll have to look out for.”
The Dove Men+ Care series clash will be the fourth time Read has visited the home of Welsh rugby. And he is hoping to savour the occasion before he returns for the Rugby World Cup next year.
He said: “Our attitude this week has been on the fact that we’re in a great place to come and play.
“We’re going to be back here at some point next year so we really want to enjoy the occasion and look forward as if we haven’t got a summer ahead of us. It’s a big game for us against the Welsh and it’s one we’re getting excited about.”
