Former British & Irish Lion Martyn Williams says Taulupe Faletau and Alun Wyn Jones should be rested for Wales’ tour of South Africa this summer.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland, who led the Lions to success over Australia last summer, will already be without Lions captain Sam Warburton and influential full-back Leigh Halfpenny, who both have shoulder injuries.
But 38-year-old retired Wales flanker Williams, who made three Lions tours, believes Faletau and Jones also need a rest.
Faletau started the third and final Test against the Qantas Wallabies, while Jones played a key part in all three games.
And Williams insists they could both do with putting their feet up rather than facing the Springboks twice in June.
"Players like Faletau and Jones have been on a Lions tour and play every game for Wales and their region," Williams said.
"With a World Cup in mind next year I'd give them a break."
