Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie is contemplating throwing NSW giant Will Skelton into Saturday’s dead-rubber daylight Test at a packed Allianz Stadium.
Sydney fans, relishing a rare 3pm kick-off, would also be delighted to see Waratahs cult hero Skelton make his international debut in the third Test against France.
McKenzie gave hope the 135kg lock will get a call-up to audition in Australia’s last hit-out before the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship kick off on August 16.
Starting second-rowers Rob Simmons and James Horwill did little wrong in the series-clinching 6-0 victory at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, while another rookie, Luke Jones, worked hard in a 20-minute debut off the bench.
But Skelton has been a point of difference for the second-placed Waratahs in Super Rugby with his barnstorming, tackle-shedding runs and skilful off-loads.
“He offers a different package so that is something we’ve been thinking about,” McKenzie said on Sunday.
“We haven’t gone that way but it’s something to acknowledge and that’s why he’s in the squad.
“It’s just how we would use him because there’s different ways.”
McKenzie noted the afternoon start would also put a different complexion on the game and tactics.
But rather than make wholesale changes for the dead-rubber to give all his unused squad-members game time, he’d prefer to improve performance with settled combinations.
“We can move things around a lot and that might create confusion or lesser combinations, or you just try and play better,” McKenzie said.
Slight adjustments and tinkering are likely, while another tough choice at No.8 looms with Wycliff Palu (ankle) available again and Ben McCalman topping the tackle count in a busy display.
France skipper Thierry Dusautoir, who led the charge at the 2011 World Cup final, said his side again prepared to produce something “extraordinary”.
Despite the loss, the flanker felt the closeness of the game put Les Bleus in good stead to end their 24-year drought on Australian soil.
“What was really important for us was to show another face of the French team,” Dusautoir said.
“We know that the series already has been lost but for us it’s really important to win the third game.”
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Good to see Horne get his chsnce off the bench too bring on da french !!!!! :-)
Just_win
Guest
Would love to see him get a crack, to me it is more likely it will be off the bench. Imagine him coming on when players are getting tired or if they are off the bench themselves not fully warmed up yet. He will be an overwhelming force. I am an AB supporter but still would like to see that :)
Squirrel
Guest
In a years time Skelton will be a key player it is ridiculous to keep him out when we have no impact as a 2nnd row
Daveski
Guest
Skelton has good 2014 form. Horwill and Genia do not. Don't think the game two weeks ago would've been their debut either...
El Gamba
Roar Guru
I'm not sure I'm on the Skelton bandwagon but looking towards the 2015 WC he'd be a good selection, even for 20. Especially when you've got Fardy who move in if required.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Start Skelton, bring on Horwill or Jones with 25 mins to go.
Quading in...
Guest
I think Carter may not have been given enough credit for his performance (at least on this forum) in game 1. In my mind he definitely put his hand up, sure it wasn't a dominating debut but it was very impressive. That said, with Fardy in 6 and Simmons so commanding in lineouts (if nothing else), we don't lose too much in set-piece security by picking Skelton. I think it's definitely time to see what impact he can make. I'm betting it would be a large one. I think Horwill will retain starting jersey (especially with Hooper so new in the captaincy) and Link will bring on Will with 25mins to go.
formeropenside
Guest
Home city? Wasn't a reason to start Horwill or Genia, was it?
jameswm
Roar Guru
There's good competition because none of the other three (or Carter yet) are putting their hand up. Surely this is a perfect time to give big Willy a go. Home city, afternoon game, dead rubber. Tailor-made. I'd love to see Skelton, Palu and Sio on at the same time. The strongest three ball runners we have.
The
Roar Rookie
Rest Horwill, start Jones and bring Skelton on with 20 or 30 to go. Agree that's it's time to unleash the SKELTON on the Rugby world!
Mike
Guest
I don't think either team will be influenced by it being a "dead rubber". The French have got a hoodoo to overcome, and the Wallabies are getting ready for the cauldron of TRC. Any complacency the Wallabies had after the first test will be gone. If Palu is fit then I expect McKenzie will slot him back in at 8, and Higginbotham should be worried. Otherwise I doubt Ewen will change much, maybe a shift of position here or there. And I can't see Saint Andre changing much either. It should be a cracker of a match!
Ethan
Guest
Jones looked nervous and was poor, but he should have overcome the debut nerves now and will be better for it next game. I'd like to see him get another crack, because his super rugby form has been excellent. Skelton deserves a chance as well though, I'd love to see what he can do in the green and gold, but not sure who you drop. There's some good competition in the lock spots.