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‘Still a bit awkward’: Will Skelton looking to make captaincy ‘my own’
Looking to turn their disappointing form around, the Wallabies unveiled another new captain ahead of the Rugby World Cup with towering lock Will Skelton set to lead the team into battle.
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Eddie Jones had already appointed four different captains during the year, but the coach has decided to go in another direction ahead of the biggest tournament in rugby.
There was no room for veterans Michael Hooper and Allan Alaalatoa in the 33-man squad due to injury, while previous skippers James Slipper and Tate McDermott were overlooked for the role.
La Rochelle lock Will Skelton is in line to become the 87th Wallabies skipper when the team take the field in France, while halfback McDermott will be ready if called upon as the vice-captain.
“I’ve leaned on the other boys a lot,” Skelton told reporters earlier this week. “Guys like (James) Slips, (Nic) Whitey, Andrew Kellaway, they’ve helped me through this week.
“Still a bit awkward when I’m in the huddle and the boys are looking at me for that last say, it’s something I’m not used to
“I want to really grow into this role and make it my own.”
This World Cup squad is the dawn of a new era for Australian rugby.
Head-to-Head
Last 5 Meetings
Wins
3
Draws
0
Wins
2
Average Points scored
30
26
First try wins
40%
Home team wins
80%
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More than 75 per cent of the squad have been picked in a World Cup team for the first time, with Jones making some bold calls ahead of a big four-year cycle for Australian rugby.
But there are a number of emerging leaders within this squad, including the likes of McDermott and former Junior Wallabies skipper Fraser McReight, who Skelton can turn to both on and off the field.
“I think it’ll be the preparation during the week for me. Getting to know the refs and then also speaking to the other boys, Eddie as well, what the gameplan is that week,” Skelton added.
“On the field I’ll be looking to the leaders out there to help me make those decisions, and they’re not always going to be perfect but it’s how we adapt to that.
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“I’ve not done this before so I’ll be leaning on them a lot.
“We’re pretty open and transparent in this group. I’m not gonna have all the answers as well.
“We’ll be growing together and those decisions will be a team thing, whatever is best for the team.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Tamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
1 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
33 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to comments