THE RISE of Newport Gwent Dragons back row forward James Thomas may have come as a shock to many but Wales and Lions ace Taulupe Faletau knew that his teammate would be a roaring success.

Thomas was expected to be a fringe figure after his exploits with Bedwas in the Principality Premiership earned a one-year deal with the region.

However, the 24-year-old from Blackwood has made 17 appearances after initially being the beneficiary of a second row injury crisis and then going on to earn selection in his own right at his preferred position of blindside flanker.

Faletau never doubted Thomas, who has penned a fresh contract.

The pair played together for Wales Under-20s before serious injuries to both knees led to Thomas being released by the Dragons academy after making a solitary senior appearance in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

“JT has been one of our form players this season and has been outstanding from the get-go,” said Faletau. “He has been brilliant and very consistent.

“We played 20s together but he had a few injuries and I suppose was out of sight, out of mind. I think it shocked a few when he was let go but it was only because of the injuries.

“It’s great that he is back with us and he has been amazing. The three (other back row forwards) of Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd and JT have been playing out of their skins.”

Saturday’s European Rugby Challenge Cup encounter with Stade Francais at Rodney Parade (kick-off 3pm) will be Faletau’s last game against his regional teammates before he heads off for Six Nations duty.

And the 24-year-old is excited that once he has taken on England, Scotland, France, Ireland and Italy he will have a quarter-final to look forward to courtesy of topping Pool Three, hopefully in Newport.

“Knockout rugby is what we play the game for,” said Faletau. “I’ve only had the LV= Cup semi-final at Gloucester (in 2010), that’s probably the biggest game I’ve played for the Dragons. The boys are excited about what’s ahead and hopefully there will be more of this to come.

“It will be good if we can get the win against Stade Francais to earn a home quarter-final and it was a good performance by us out in Paris.”

Faletau, who had been nursing an ankle niggle, came off the bench to settle the Dragons’ nerves in their stunning 40-29 win against Newcastle in the north east last weekend.

By the time he took to the field the damage had been done thanks to excellent displays by wing Hallam Amos and the midfield of Jack Dixon and Tyler Morgan.

“We’ve got some good talent in the back line, they make things happen when we get the ball in their hands so that’s what we will try to do again,” said Faletau.