1
‘I might have to beg’: Will Skelton on Wallabies’ upcoming Spring Tour
By Finn Morton
La Rochelle enforcer Will Skelton hopes to be selected to play under Joe Schmidt during the Wallabies’ upcoming Spring Tour. While Skelton has spoken with the coach, it remains to be seen as to whether the hulking lock will finally be included in Schmidt’s plans.
Under former coach Eddie Jones, Skelton was surprisingly given the captaincy ahead of last year’s Rugby World Cup in France. The second rower led Australia into rugby battle in their tournament opener against Georgia before suffering an injury.
Skelton hasn’t played for the Wallabies since that 35-15 win at Stade de France on September 10. Fans have been calling for Schmidt to select Skelton but the coach has largely only selected players currently plying their trade for one of Australia’s Super Rugby Pacific clubs.
The only exception to that is winger Marika Koroibete who, after missing the July series Tests against Wales and Georgia, was recalled for The Rugby Championship. Schmidt explained in August why it was “complicated” to select French-based Skelton during TRC.
But, ahead of the Wallabies' upcoming tour to Europe, it seems like an ideal time for Schmidt and the other selectors to pick Skelton. Without giving too much away, the 32-year-old explained that it “would be pretty cool” to work with Schmidt for the first time.
“Joe hasn’t said for definite if I’m selected,” Skelton told AFP. “He’s just asked if I’m keen and if I’m in form, playing well, I’m in with a chance.
“I’ve not been coached under Joe so that would be pretty cool if I’m involved to work under a guy like him.”
The Wallabies will look to bounce back up north following their last-placed finish in The Rugby Championship. Australia only claimed one win from six Tests, and that was a thrilling 20-19 victory over Argentina in La Plata.
But, with that in the past, the Wallabies will soon turn their focus to the Spring Tour. They’ll face England at Allianz Stadium first, before taking on Warren Gatland’s Wales, Scotland and Murrayfield, and finally, Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Unfortunately for Skelton and potentially the Wallabies, that final Test against the Irish falls outside of the international window. That Test could potentially put Skelton up against La Rochelle coach Ronan O’Gara’s former team, Ireland.
“I have my form at club level,” Skelton added.
“Hopefully then I get picked for what will be three games. It’s a four game series but it’s only three Tests in the window.
“I might have to beg ROG if I get picked to play Ireland at the Aviva.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Leicester Tigers want Sam Costelow back
3
England make announcement on Kevin Sinfield future
4
Former All Black tips Hoskins Sotutu for international switch
5
Latest Comments
One dead rubber home-game against the 10th best team in the World is scant evidence to judge Barrett's proficiency at 10.
The real test will come against the big three of the north, not just for Barrett but other players will be put under pressure unlike they experienced against Aussie.
Historically Barrett was a fine 10 against most teams, but struggled against the very top sides who could expose his weaknesses.
We can trace Barrett's woes at pivot all the way back to 2016, when Andy Farrell's rush defence caused him no end of troubles.
Too many games against our neighbours can cloud peoples judgement on some players.
I haven't seen any evidence that Barrett's character traits that get exposed under pressure have been eradicated. Unfortunately ingrained character traits are difficult to change and only come to the surface when the chips are down.
There was a reason Barrett was moved to 15 and has largely been kept there, because coaches realised he is more effective with the time and space it allows.
I'm all for it if he can demonstrate he has mastered his game under pressure against the very top sides, it would be a great story of perseverance.
But I won't be getting too excited over one performance in a game of little consequence. I fear it would be a risky move to back an aging star with a history of troubles in the decision making hot seat.
Go to commentsRugbypass must have some sort of side hustle on the revenue generated by Sextons book… why anyone outside of Ireland cares about this bloke is beyond me.. doubt he’ll sell many copies anywhere else.
Go to comments