Recalled Wallabies lock and enforcer Will Skelton is adamant Australia won’t have any linoeut problems in Saturday’s clash with England.
NSW Waratahs giant Skelton and the Reds Rob Simmons have been brought back into the team in place of Sam Carter and Test rookie Rory Arnold.
Back after injury, Skelton noted the Wallabies had some lineout issues in the first two Tests.
“They (England) have been pretty sharp, I think we’ve lacked in our detail the last couple of games, especially in the line out,” Skelton said.
“And this week we won’t have a problem there.
“We haven’t adapted to how the opposition has been playing, so this week we’ve worked really hard on changing that and being able to adapt and be proactive rather than reactive.”
Skelton is looking forward to playing against rising England lock Maro Itoje, who has won a swag of individual awards in recent months.
“I think our boys have dealt with him well,” Skelton said.
“He’s a nuisance on the field, which is what you want as a lock.”
Skelton was philosophical about coach Michael Cheika naming a third different lock combination in as many games.
“He does go off form and he does go off training, so if you’re training well you get picked,” he said.
Skelton’s return gives Cheika another powerful ball running forward.”
“I’m a big boy and I like to carry the ball, so I’m going to try and get my hands on the ball as much as I can this week,” Skelton said.
He has only started five of his 14 Tests, but Skelton said he wasn’t surprised to be part of the run on side this weekend.
Bob Forbes
Guest
Skelton a possible game changer.....I don't think so. I agree with some of the other comments re the amount of time he will be on the paddock. The English forwards will help to make his night miserable.
Steve Wright
Guest
Skelton ? Enforcer? Enforcing what? I suppose he might enforce something if he can last more than five minutes, probably the impression that Cheika has reached the point of absolute desperation in selections, and that the sportswriters are equally bereft of inspiration when it comes to writing something meaning ful the players say. If he lasts more than 20 minutes I'll put quite a few hundreds on the front bar at the Steyne in Manly after the game. How's that for an offer?
Adsa
Guest
I am not much of a Skelton fan but I hope he goes out and proves us doubters wrong, not looking forward to a 3 - 0 grubbing.
Squirrel
Guest
Skelton will have the last laugh having a blinder and getting a good wallaby win due to his penetration and off loads. Smash em Skelton and hopefully this test will cement your spot.
CUW
Guest
well there is a chinese saying : " make sure ur words are sweet , becoz u never know when u will have to eat them!" he will have to eat them , when england have three 2nd rowers in the pack in the 4th 1/4 of the game .. but by them skelton will be resting on the bench :D
Brady
Guest
Me too. Sounds allright this Will Skelton. Pity he has the same name as that other bloke that was none of those things.
Dave H
Guest
Enforcer? Line out option? Have I missed something?