James Horwill on the man who can assume injured Will Skelton's enforcer role

The Wallabies have a truly giant hole to fill in 2026, with 145kg lock Will Skelton sidelined for the year with a ruptured Achilles. Luckily for head coach Joe Schmidt, though, there is a man who might just be up to filling those enormous boots.

That’s according to Former Wallabies captain James Horwill, who knows a thing or two about the second row, having played 62 games for Australia in the position Skelton now occupies as one of the world’s best.

Horwill fronted the media on Tuesday as Australia celebrated there being just 500 days to go before the 2027 Rugby World Cup kicks off Down Under, and he shared some thoughts on the big questions facing today’s Wallabies.

Those questions include whether Australia has the muscle to compete with the bigger forward packs that are making their presence felt in the international game.

“The way the game is going, the physical battle is really important, particularly when it comes to the Test arena. You look at the northern hemisphere and the way the Six Nations was played; that physical confrontation is now a really key part of the game,” Horwill said.

“I’ll highlight a guy like Lukhan (Salakaia-Loto) who’s playing for the Reds; I think he’s been outstanding. I think he’s taken that big enforcer role, and I hope to see him play a part in the Wallabies; obviously, with Will Skelton injuring himself up north playing for La Rochelle, there’s that gap for an enforcer-type player, that bigger body.

“I think he’s been exceptional for the Reds and they missed him on Saturday night against the Force. Hopefully he can stay fit and continue that form. I can see him having a really big Test campaign this year and be a critical member for us in the World Cup. Because that’s the way the game is going, particularly up front when you’re taking on a northern hemisphere side.”

Salakaia-Loto, who is listed at 201 cm and 124 kg, may be missing a few kg compared to Skelton, but at five years younger, the Reds big man has explosive power and can operate as a jumper in the lineout.

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Horwill was adamant that bulk is only one component of winning rugby games and didn’t want to emphasise it in a way that would detract from the Wallabies’ traditional strengths. The team has always possessed skilful players, and not just in the backs.

Current Wallabies captain Harry Wilson was highlighted as a prime example, with the No.8’s left boot employed at will whenever he sees fit for the Reds. Horwill says he is a big fan of Wilson’s abilities.

“Take the short numbers off his jersey and go out in the backline,” he joked. “I think Harry’s been excellent.

“Look, sometimes you have these Test campaigns, and you do take a little bit longer to get into the season, just because you had such a big year last year, and an injury.

“He’s worked himself into the season really well, and I think the last few weeks, he’s been exceptional. His deft touches are a point of difference for him as a player. We saw on the weekend, he was trying to single-handedly drag that Reds team over the line against the Force with his effort, his carries and his deft touches.

“He’s really built into the year… I think he’s coming into some of his best form, particularly over the last month or so.”

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt will pass the baton to current Reds head coach Les Kiss midway through the year, and Horwill hopes the players’ freedom to play to their strengths will continue to be embraced at the Test level as it has been in Super Rugby.

“You want your players to play to their strengths, right? You don’t want guys to go into their shells. So obviously, based on selection, whoever Les decides he wants to pick, you want players to use their skillsets. There’s no point picking a guy like Harry and telling him ‘don’t pass, don’t look for the offload, don’t take the opportunities there.’ Because that then puts him in his shell and he’s not playing in his natural ways.

“I think that’s really important. You want your players to understand the structure you play in, but go out and be yourself. And I think Les is really good at doing that, encouraging his players, going ‘back yourself. If you see the opportunity, take it, and don’t play with that fear of failure.'”

A new application window for Rugby World Cup 2027 tickets opened in time for Tuesday’s 500 days-to-go milestone, with fans now able to head to tickets.rugbyworldcup.com to apply for tickets to all 52 games. The window will be open for two weeks, closing on June 2.