TOBY Faletau is moving a step nearer to making his debut for Wales and the squad for the World Cup in New Zealand in September.

The Newport Gwent Dragons back row forward impressed everyone, not least Wales coach Warren Gatland, with his all-action displays near the end of the season.

Now, after missing out on his first start in the autumn, though on the bench against Fiji, and then the Six Nations because of a foot injury, he is poised to make his debut at last.

The 20-year-old will become the first Tongan-born player to wear the Wales jersey, probably against the Barbarians on Saturday, and will feature in the August internationals against England (twice) and Argentina.

Attack coach Rob Howley appears to have few doubts, while also praising the Dragons for the way they finished the season and the style of rugby they played.

“The Dragons finished off the season really well, they played a good brand of rugby and the likes of Toby Faletau will have a great opportunity to put his hand up for a starting place against England,” he said.

“There are four opportunities between now and then to be part of the World Cup. Being part of it is pretty special in any player’s career.

“In Rugby World Cup year we are looking at strength in depth and giving an opportunity to younger players who have not been seen in the national jersey.”

Howley revealed that record try scoring wing Shane Williams will not be involved against the Barbarians as he is not quite ready after injury while prop Gethin Jenkins is expected to be fit in time for the World Cup.

And he backed Gavin Henson to come good again, saying he has been doing well in training this week.

“It’s easy to criticise the fact that Gavin has not played for that period of time (two years), but when you look at regional rugby the likes of Regan King, Casey Laulala and sometimes Tommy Bowe are playing in the centre,” he said.

“Looking at the depth of centres in Welsh rugby, Gavin has been there, done it. He played in two Grand Slam seasons and has been highly influential in the game when he has played.

“He deserves a chance, he’s got a natural talent for creating space and it’s giving him a chance to make a name for himself on the rugby field. It’s down to him.

“He might be starting against the Barbarians or on the bench, but he’s having a positive influence and he’s trained well.”

Howley also paid tribute to Stephen Jones who is set to start and become only the second Welsh player to win 100 caps, joining Gareth Thomas.

“He has made the transition with his enthusiasm which has never drained away, he’s the most emotional, passionate outside half,” he said. “It means something to Stephen when he pulls on the No 10 jersey, he wears it with pride.”

Howley expects the Barbarians to improve after their victory over England. “The longer they are together the better they get,” he said.

“Having been with them as a player, captain and coach, when you wear the white and black jersey it’s pretty unique in world rugby.

“When you get selected for them it’s a huge honour. You don’t have that fear of losing, you just turn up and play and the try they scored in the last minute against England was typical of the Barbarians, they never give up.”