Not all Australian fans are warm to Cheika's idea of Will Skelton returning

After Saracens won the Champions Cup and Premiership double this year, there was a lot of talk about the second row Will Skelton returning to Australia for the World Cup. 

Despite these rumours a few months ago, nothing ever came of it. But Michael Cheika has once again raised the issue and suggested that Skelton could well make the Wallabies cut when the squad is announced later this week. 

He only has 18 Test caps, which would exclude him from being selected under the Giteau Law (requiring 60-caps to be selected from abroad), so either he will need to join a Super Rugby side or exceptions will need to be made. 

The 27-year-old moved from the Waratahs to Saracens two years ago and has experienced a rugby rebirth in London. Skelton always had potential with Australia after making his debut in 2014 at the age of 22, but his main criticism was that he was overweight (at around 24 stone/150kgs) and had a poor work-rate. 

However, since joining Saracens, his game has been revolutionised. He has lost a huge amount of weight, making him far more mobile and productive around the field. 

Will Skelton for the Wallabies? Not so, according to Saracens https://t.co/DxNs97voch

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 20, 2019

If anything, the weight loss has given him more power when ball carrying and he can now last 80 minutes. He was instrumental in both the Champions Cup final against Leinster, particularly in defence, as well as the Premiership final against Exeter Chiefs. 

Given the success that former Premiership players have had on this Wallabies side over the past month, particularly Nic White, this may have given Cheika extra motivation to pursue Skelton. 

The reaction, however, to Skelton’s potential return has not been entirely positive from all Australian fans on social media. While some have clearly shown their support for the lock’s comeback, there are those that are more reserved. 

Many fans may still have preconceived ideas about what Skelton can bring and have perhaps not witnessed his exploits in Europe. It is understandable, therefore, why they would not be keen on this move because of his form in 2016 and 2017. 

Furthermore, questions are being asked as to why the Wallabies have waited so long, and that this is just a case of Cheika clutching at straws after a humbling 36-0 loss at the hands of the All Blacks last weekend where they were physically dominated. 

Some fans feel this is the last resort for the coach with only a month to go before the start of the World Cup. This is what has been said: 

https://twitter.com/dbp_sydney/status/1163626965921722368?s=20

His performance level and discipline would need to have substantially improved to beat out any current locks in the squad. Big bodies in motion are an asset provided their contribution does not impact negatively on the team through infringements or low workload.

— Here’s Johnny! (@BrumbyinTahland) August 20, 2019

Is Cheika clutching at straws, looking for an answer he so far seems to have not found? Skelton won’t fix the scrum. It limits lineout options. There are several excellent players in that position.

— Here’s Johnny! (@BrumbyinTahland) August 20, 2019

I’m not sure we’re that poor in the 2nd row anyway – never a Simmons fan but Coleman Arnold and rodda are pretty good

— Sally O'Donnell (@o_donnellsally) August 19, 2019

If they were going to do it, why didn’t they do it a month ago so they could get a look at him at international level 🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️
I know he’s play well at club level.

— 💧Wombat (@wombat_wood) August 19, 2019

It will be great to see Will Skelton return to the wallabies side

— washington rosales (@LastWave_) August 20, 2019

His form in the UK suggests yes. And if he can bring that back to the Tahs next year all the better!

— Meri Flynn (@thinkthinkers) August 20, 2019

Would be great to see @SkeltonWilliam back in Wallaby gold https://t.co/LXPyv42vnM

— Jonno (@yeah_nah_bro79) August 18, 2019

This puts me in two minds:

1. It’s bullshit for the guys (Locks) who have been doing their thing for Super teams and sticking with Aussie Rugby.

2. If he brings back half as much as White has – On’ya Willy, welcome home! https://t.co/nsgMIJmt5f

— Wallabywanderer (@Wallabywandere1) August 18, 2019

It is undeniable that Skelton has developed hugely over the past two years and would probably be somewhere in a matchday 23. But many fans feel this may have been left too late. 

For the first time in a long time, the Wallabies look to have a decent second row partnership with Rory Arnold and Izack Rodda, and some fans question whether Skelton could break that partnership. 

WATCH: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika and captain Michael Hooper after Bledisloe Two