Warburton hails young Faletau as Irish enjoy party time

Tonga-born Faletau will face arguably the biggest test of his fledgling international career when he goes head-to-head with Ireland No 8 Jamie Heaslip in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.

Faletau, 20, and Warburton are the only two players to have started all four of Wales’ group games.

And while Newport Gwent Dragons prospect Faletau has won just seven caps, Warburton believes he has an immense future in the game.

“I think Toby is unbelievable,” Warburton said.

“He has started every game in this tournament, but he wakes up the next day and he is not even aching.

“He is very professional, and to play alongside him in the back-row has been incredible. He is just so chilled out, a good guy to be around.

“When I was 20-years-old I would have been in no shape to play No 8 in a World Cup. For such a young boy, he is amazing.”

Donncha O’Callaghan has described the hordes of supporters following Ireland across New Zealand as the “Aviva Stadium on crack”.

It is estimated that 25,000 Irish fans are tracking ‘everyone’s favourite second team’, as Brian O’Driscoll side have been dubbed in the local media.

They easily outnumber any other travelling contingent, though their ranks have been swelled by swarms of Kiwis who have leapt on board the green bandwagon to enjoy the carnival atmosphere.

Overflowing camper vans covered in the national flag have pursued Ireland throughout the World Cup, but the noise and colour reached a crescendo during Sunday’s crucial victory over Italy.

O’Callaghan admits the squad are feeding off their army of followers.

“The fans have been incredible,” said the Lions second row. “You know the type of crowd we’re attracting – they’re probably after a few pints. It’s an unbelievable atmosphere.

“There’s an awful lot of goodwill towards us....it’s like the Aviva Stadium on crack! We’re hearing that it’s exactly like that at home.”