Will Skelton isn’t even a first-choice lock for his English club side, but that shouldn’t matter to the Wallabies.
Predominantly because Australia’s World Cup hopes are so gloomy and the Wallabies’ lock stocks so thin, Skelton looks like a decent chance of getting a smooth ride to Japan later this year.
About 18 months ago, Adam Coleman and Rory Arnold would’ve been regarded by most Wallabies fans as Test lock lock-ins. Sure, they’re not Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock, but they had shown enough to be deemed solid, abrasive forwards on the verge of their best years and the standout Test options.
But what was one of the most problematic areas for the Wallabies in a woeful 2018? The second-row. A horribly misfiring lineout was the biggest issue. But scrummaging was hardly consistent and Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons and Arnold weren’t often denting defensive lines with their ball carrying.
Coleman seemed to lose his sting in defence while Rodda fell off plenty of tackles. Simmons, who started for the Wallabies at lock alongside Kane Douglas in the 2015 World Cup final, still managed to play Test rugby without shining at Super Rugby level for the Waratahs.
So when Michael Cheika and his new colleague Scott Johnson are plotting over the next few months to repeat the Wallabies’ run to the decider when they head to Japan in September, Skelton’s signing should be a priority.
As Skelton gets nowhere near satisfying the 60-Test threshold for overseas-based players to represent the Wallabies, he will need to sign for an Australian-based Super Rugby franchise soon to open the World Cup door.
His two-year contract with Saracens ends in May, which means he might even be able to sneak in a few Super Rugby games this year if needed.
That’s the practical and logistical reality. He doesn’t have the kudos or class of Matt Giteau, who was rushed back into the Wallabies squad for the last World Cup after Rugby Australia changed the rules for those playing overseas.
After all, Skelton has only played 18 Tests for the Wallabies, and started in only six of those. Plus he was never regarded as a top-quality lineout jumper.
Regardless, the Wallabies need to take a punt on Skelton and put a bit of faith in him that he can provide some size and grunt in a pack that has too often gets bullied.
Skelton’s weight loss has attracted a fair bit of attention, dropping from 148kg to 135kg since moving from the Waratahs to Sarries.
The Premiership-winning club’s ability to help him transform to a much more mobile – but still beastly – physique is deflating for Tahs and Wallabies fans, who struggled to wonder why Taqele Naiyaravoro wasn’t whipped into shape a lot sooner given his form as a lighter and fitter but still heavyweight winger.
“Will is a different physical specimen. He’s in super-duper shape,” former Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer said recently.
It’s a significant weight drop, but Skelton isn’t skeletal; at 203cm and with that rig, he’s still more than a handful, plus he likes getting his hands on the ball.
He improved quickly for the Waratahs in their Super Rugby 2014 title-winning season and his Test performance against France that same year in Sydney was memorable in which he scored a try and gave a nice pass for an Israel Folau five-pointer.
Will Skelton is a markedly improved player since joining Saracens. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
At full strength, Saracens usually start with England locks Maro Itoje and George Kruis, with Skelton coming off the bench. However, Skelton has often started when Itoje is preferred at No.6.
He’s also packed down with quality forwards such as Schalk Burger and the Vunipola brothers – Mako and Billy – over the last few years which would’ve been of great benefit to the 26-year-old Skelton.
When the Waratahs recruited South African lock Le Roux Roets last month for this coming season, the way coach Daryl Gibson talked about him – not all of it but a solid part – sounded as if he could’ve been talking about Skelton.
“We have been searching for a big, aggressive and physical player who can get us going forward and excels in the set piece,” Gibson said.
“At 135kg, Le Roux fits the profile that we have been wanting to add to our squad. His recruitment will add real competition and depth among our current lock options in Rob Simmons, Tom Staniforth, Ryan McCauley and Jed Holloway.”
Is it no coincidence that Roets signed a one-year contract? Are they hoping, or expecting, Skelton back at the Tahs?
Will Skelton (photo: AFP)
Bob Dwyer is right – we need someone like Skelton back to give the Wallabies a spark before the World Cup.
Nic White is another mentioned given his form for Exeter in England. He would provide more of an attacking threat off the bench behind No.1 halfback Will Genia.
Wallabies fans deflated with the way Cheika has led Australia’s international slide didn’t get a coaching change, or at least yet a coaching shuffle, but getting Skelton in for the World Cup might at least offer some optimism that a bit of size and muscle will make a difference.
Stu
Roar Rookie
I was being ironic mate.. Thanks though.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Yeah, we'll have to see. I think the way that Gibson has talked about him means that Rouets will play but we could also see Holloway, Simmons as the starting locks with Staniforth off the bench with Hanigan 6, Hooper 7 and Dempsey 8. With again the Miller/Wells decision on the bench if they go a traditional 4/3.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Tend to agree with your 6, 7, 8 but believe that Hanigan and Wells will be the bench cover for 6 and 8. We do not yet know how Rouets will go. I believe that Staniforth maybe the lock with Simmons with Rouets on the bench ..... depends whether the bench is a 5/2 or 4/3 split.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
After watchung a Roar video about former Reds cebtre throwing a grrat pass it us a wonder that there haven't been calls for a Wallaby selection. It just shows the meaningless of highlight reels when honestly evaluating the real contributions of rugby players.
Tony Philipson
Guest
Saracens have made him an athlete but have not succeeded in making him a rugby player
jeznez
Roar Guru
Sure but I think that 6, 7, 8 should be Dempsey, Hooper, Holloway. The selection decision will be a traditional 6/8 type on the bench or the dual open side option. They aren’t like for like but I think the decision will be between them. Particularly if Hanigan is looked at as a locking trio option with Simmons and Rouets.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Miller is a 7, Wells is an 8 ..... not really apples for apples :)
CUW
Roar Rookie
the modern 8 is a hybrid forward and back if u go back a few years guys like Read and parrise and Thor made a name by running with the backs outside a wing. at the same time they would drop back to receive kicks alongside a wing and fullback. a lot more dynamizm is expected of the 8 - not just carrying the ball hrd into contact like Bily V ussed to do. for eg Pocock always gets into trouble at a scrum if there is pressure from the opponent. cant blame him coz he never plays 8 any other day ....
Olly
Roar Rookie
The lineout is not a lock problem but a number 2 problem. A taller 6 would help but you still need to throw the ball to them. Our locks are by far the best they have been in terms of depth for some time now.
graymatter
Roar Rookie
Can't agree. We have plenty of Locks better than Skelton. We need Number 8s and Number 10s.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I like Wells, his defence in particular. Think he provides good value for the Tahs but also that there is only room for one of him or Miller. Gibson and Cron were pushing a lighter group last season but they've given signals they'll be a bit heavier this year which might give Wells the edge in that contest.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
I wonder why Wells never seems to get a mention? He has a non stop engine, always there ball carrying or defending, has good line out work ..... don't often see him clean out but that is not really a No 8 job. Is he too small, too light, not aggressive enough?
terrykidd
Roar Pro
No way should Skelton be in the RWC squad. After Nick Bishop's article on Skelton I made it a point to watch a couple of Saracens games to get a look at Skelton. Yes he is lighter and seems fitter but he still has some old Skelton issues. His body height in mauls still too high, he is still too high when cleaning out, he was always last to the breakdown, he was consistently last back on side, his tackling was ok, his ball carrying was lazy and rare. Sorry but I saw nothing to recommend his inclusion in the RWC squad.
Jock the sock
Guest
Skelton, Hooper, Tuopua & Kepu are the only forwards to get over the advantage line. He has to start.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Staniforth got smashed in a one on one, head on tackle by Nicolas Sanchez last season - was driven back and dumped on his backside. Just can't have a bloke that is 30 kgs lighter doing that to a lock. I'm not seeing the same potential you do.
Rugby wizard
Guest
Angus Ta'avao is the prop.
Rugby wizard
Guest
I agree fitzpatrik needs too up his game physically,Staniforth has huge potential,waratah coaching staff is failing too realise it,he needs better coaching too develope further. They dont realise what they potentially could have in Staniforth just like that prop they had that is now a all black.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Sorry I was wrong about Hore. Either way. As a 3rd choice hooker you get no cap without somebody injured. As a 3rd choice lock, you may get capped. There are 2 hooker spots and 3 lock spots in a 23.
Gary
Guest
The Randwick flat line was only a once in a generation thing based around the skills of the Ella brothers and people like Lloyd Walker and dodgy defensive systems ( geez nowadays locks get out of a scrum quicker than the old time breakaways !) , outside of that it rarely works. It doesn't naturally create space or explore space ( look at the A.B's ) Consign it to the history books like dribbling the ball - remember that ? ) What we need to focus on is bending the line with forward ball runners hitting the ball at pace, quick recycle and on a again until we hit the backs to explore space with superior passing skills that are just in front of the man and at his chest height - elemental stuff isn't it ,well isn't it ?
jeznez
Roar Guru
I don't think Fitzpatrick is physical enough, same with Staniforth. I'll be surprised if Tom makes the Tahs match day squad if Le Rouets performs, he and Simmons with Hanigan as the third should be the Tahs locks this season. The back row looks full as well with Hooper, Dempsey, Holloway, Wells and Miller