The Newport Gwent Dragons No8 could be part of a re-shuffled back-row for the Test matches in Durban on Saturday June 14 and a week later in Nelspruit after it was confirmed that specialist No7s Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric will miss the tour due to injury.
Faletau has experience on the openside flank, having stepped in for the suspended Warburton in the Rugby World Cup bronze medal match against Australia in 2011. And the 23-year-old would be happy to switch again if it meant he could continue playing in the red of Wales.
“Whatever position I play, it’s an honour to wear that jersey for Wales,” said Faletau.
“Obviously Justin and Sam are specialist sevens. Maybe it changes against South Africa because they tend to play without one. But the boys who are there are capable of filling in for whoever is missing.
“The back rowers we have got are quality enough to fill in. They know what the challenges are ahead of us.”
Faletau understands the intensity of what lies in wait in South Africa given how proud the Springboks are of their physical strength and he knows Wales will have to front up against the 2007 Rugby World Cup champions in their own backyard.
The Boks have picked the giant Willem Alberts at openside for this week’s clash with a World XV in Cape Town, with veteran enforcers Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield starting in the second row on Saturday and both Tendai Mtawarira and Bismarck du Plessis lining up at the front of a formidable pack.
“They are known for their physicality and what they bring. It’s no secret and it’s going to be tough,” added Faletau.
“South Africa will be a test for everyone out there. They are one of the most physical sides out there. That’s how they play – straight up. There is no secret about how they play or what they will do. They are very physical men. We just have to carry the ball, be hard, direct and physical.
“I am looking forward to it. It will be my first time out there. The tour to South Africa is something anyone would look forward to – to go down there and challenge yourself.”
