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Unlike in 2016 when Dylan Hartley was appointed England captain within months of Eddie Jones joining, the Wallabies had to wait half-a-year before the Australian named his skipper. In the end, he went with two.
Another curveball was to come, however, as Jones followed in the footsteps of Robbie Deans in making a late change as Will Skelton didn’t so much walk out of a Boeing 747 as skipper like Rocky Elsom did in 2011 but emerged hat and all to become captain.
Jones made Skelton captain for three reasons.
First, he’s a winner and knows what success looks like.
Second, he’s respected by the entire squad and has never tried to be someone he’s not.
Will Skelton was one of the Wallabies’ best at Stade de France on September 09, 2023 in Paris. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
And, thirdly, Jones knew for the Wallabies to go deep in the competition he needed Skelton to find something he’s not yet brought to international rugby.
While Skelton has long dominated European rugby, he’s never quite been able to make the same impact in the international game.
One reason is his fitness.
In Europe, where the seasons are long and the pace of the game is often slow, Skelton could get away with carrying an extra few kilograms.
Not in Test match rugby.
Since returning, Skelton has shown his willingness to work hard and get stuck in, losing up to 10 kilograms since linking up with Jones’ Wallabies in late June.
On Saturday, Skelton’s hard work paid off as he didn’t just get through 70 minutes but dominated Georgia and delivered the type of follow-me performance Jones was after.
It wasn’t just the two breakdown turnovers he got in either half, it wasn’t just him destroying a maul single-handedly, nor the 10 runs in the middle of a pack of Georgians, it was how he led and what he said and the time he said it.
“That’s it, just do your f—ing job. Be both sides, patience in the A Zone. Use them, boom boom, f—ing kick it back. Sweet?” audio picked up Skelton telling his teammates in the 35th minute, as the Wallabies gathered in a huddle after getting fractionally too loose on both sides of the ball and had a moment to collect themselves following Tate McDermott’s head knock.
Will Skelton celebrates with teammates following the Wallabies’ win at Stade de France on September 09, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Skelton later said he was simply trying to calm his side down, knowing the importance of the position the Wallabies were in at 21-3 up in the moments before half time.
“When Tate was down it was one of those critical moments where I wanted to bring the team together and calm them,” he said.
“That was my approach: calm them down and get them back to doing the job.
“Obviously, Tate’s a big loss, but we had to move on quickly on to the next job and I thought we did that pretty well when [Nic] Whitey came on.”
Skelton’s a no-nonsense type man, but he’s just the figure Jones loves as a captain.
“I think it’s a testament to Will, his leadership on the field,” said Jones in reference to the seven penalties the Wallabies only gave away.
“Penalties are generally because people go out of kilter. No player ever tries to give away a penalty.
“It’s a real credit to Will and the way he’s leading the team, the ways he’s got the boys together off the field, and there’s a real feeling that this team could do something and they’re all working for each other.”
Skelton will still have his critics because he’s not a regular jumper. But it must be said the lineout operated well before his second-row partner Richie Arnold went off the field.
With the shorter Rob Leota on, as well as an inexperienced front-row still finding their feet and brand new back-row combination, Matt Faessler’s lineout throw struggled. That’s a big work on, but it’s not necessarily a result of Skelton.
Some, too, think the Wallabies captain shouldn’t be based overseas. But these are extraordinary times and the Wallabies need someone different.
JONES VINDICATED BUT DISCARDED FULLBACK SHOULD STILL BE IN MATCHDAY RECKONING
Andrew Kellaway would have been thrilled for his teammate Ben Donaldson. He’s that type of team player.
But he will also know that his task of breaking back into the Wallabies’ starting side will be significantly harder following Donaldson’s day out in Paris.
It wasn’t just the 25 points he bagged, including three first-half penalties, but it was the manner of his long kick and two well-taken tries that impressed as much.
Ben Donaldson showed his pace on his way to a second-half double in Paris. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)
Donaldson’s defensive frailties still exist, but Jones will feel his decision to select the Western Force-bound utility back over Kellaway has been vindicated.
Kellaway should still very much in the frame to feature in the Wallabies’ 23.
While Vunivalu has grown significantly over the past couple of months, Kellaway’s ability to cover multiple positions, be a pillar of safety at the back, run strong lines off shoulders and finish tries shouldn’t be underestimated, particularly against a physical Fijian pack.
TATE’S ABSENCE BIGGER THAN MEETS THE EYE
Should McDermott miss the Wallabies’ vital clash against Fiji because of a headknock, it will be a significant blow.
The little general set the tone against Georgia, keeping those around the ruck on their toes and running them off their feet.
His departure after 35 minutes saw the Wallabies lose their way as White struggled to play with the same tempo as his teammate.
Jones has a big decision to make against Fiji.
Tate McDermott’s injury has opened the door for Nic White to start against Fiji. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa would provide a similar running threat to McDermott, but would his skill set be more valuable against a tiring Fijian side?
Trying to match fire with fire against a Fijian side who love expansiveness might well play into the Island Nation’s hands, so it could well prove to be that White’s controlling nature and strong boot is preferred from the outset.
Nonetheless, next week’s clash against Fiji shapes as a pivotal one in White’s World Cup campaign.
MAKE OR BREAK FOR FIJI AFTER WELSH RESILIENCE SHINES
Everything goes on the line for Fiji next weekend against the Wallabies after Wales held on in one of the great Rugby World Cup pool matches.
After bombing multiple tries, Fiji finally scored two late tries to see the island nation cut the deficit to 32-26 with less than 120 seconds remains.
Fiji had a late chance, as they got inside Wales’ 22 but Semi Radradra spilt a pass off the deck as they spread it wide. Fijian hearts sunk at once, Wales’ pumped with excitement and oxygen.
Fiji dominated possession and territory but lost the moments that mattered, including two spilt balls over the line. They were coach-killing moments for Fijian coach Simon Raiwalui.
Welsh coach Warren Gatland and defence coach Mike Foreshaw would have been thrilled with their side’s resilience despite allowing Fiji to come back into the match with some poor execution under pressure.
Wales always turn up at World Cups and once again they scrapped their way to a win. It was a courageous victory that summed up the union.
Many bemoaned referee Matthew Carley’s inconsistency regarding his rapid yellow card to Fiji after multiple infringements to Wales near their own goal line. Fiji have reason to be frustrated, but at times it’s more about when and where infringements are made instead of how many.
Nonetheless, Wallabies coach Jones was in the stands watching and he will know the storm coming to Saint Etienne next weekend.
Fiji will throw everything at the Wallabies.
Their playmakers, namely Carter Gordon and Donaldson, will have to brace and match the physical storm coming otherwise Fiji can beat the Wallabies.
The Wallabies have been warned. It’s time to deliver.
BOKS’ STATEMENT AS HOST NATION SHOW OFF WORLD CUP CREDENTIALS
To perform with the nation watching on shows the mettle that Les Bleus is made are of.
Sides who feel the pressure generally show it. Panic sets in.
France, led by Antoine Dupont, showed ball of steel on the opening night of the Cup by coming from behind early in both halves to finish over the top of the All Blacks.
It’s hardly a surprise.
The French are used to winning and their big names – Dupont, Uini Atonio and Gregory Alldritt – have done so for both club and country regularly since the last World Cup cycle.
France wasn’t the only rugby powerhouse to flex their muscles in the first week of matches.
Damien Penaud celebrates scoring his side’s first try in their World Cup opener against New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Three-time World Cup winners and defending champions South Africa flexed their muscles against Scotland.
An individual piece of magic from Mannie Libbok saw the Boks score, but their victory was built off their defence and huge pack.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.