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Will Skelton's loyalty to Wallabies shouldn't discount him from selection

Will Skelton of Australia looks on during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Australia and Georgia at Stade de France on September 09, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The Wallabies are building a good foundation under Joe Schmidt, but it’s clear they are lacking world class talent.

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As few as three players could be considered world class in the Wallabies squad, a point which garners more attention as the British and Irish Lions series draws nearer.

Although the Wallabies’ upcoming Grand Slam tour of the Northern Hemisphere is the imminent challenge, make no mistake, for Schmidt, the Lions tour is the only yard stick.

While tough opposition await in the coming months, Schmidt will be doing all he can to get his men ready and across his gameplan for the series next year.

The gameplan is one half of the equation and the players who will execute the strategy is the other.

While Test-level depth is short in a few positions, Schmidt has a world class talent ready to be called upon at tighthead lock; enter Will Skelton.

At 145kg and 203cm, he’s big even by Test standards and he has a winner’s credentials, having won his fair share of silverware with his French club La Rochelle.

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The giant lock appears to be just what the Wallabies need but there is controversy surrounding his selection.

Some of his detractors question his ability to make a difference at Test level, others question his commitment to the Wallabies.

Regarding his form: his success with La Rochelle over the years and the fact the wealthy club has extended his contract until 2028, is proof enough of his value on the rugby pitch.

The Top 14 is the most competitive and attritional club competition in the world.

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His form in a competition which is longer and played at a higher level than Super Rugby Pacific should settle all debate as to whether he is ‘good enough’ for the Wallabies set-up, not to mention his experience as well as unique talents.

The question about his ‘loyalty’ to the Wallabies and Australia was not helped by his contract extension with La Rochelle.

Especially considering he could have returned to Australia ahead of the home World Cup in 2027 as his old contract with the club was set to run-out at the end of 2025.

The issue comes down to whether people want only domestic talent in the Wallabies or the best talent and make no mistake; Skelton is the best Australia-eligible tighthead lock going around.

When he can play for the Wallabies is governed by World Rugby’s regulation 9, where clubs are obliged to release international players in specific windows during the year.

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It also comes down to a myriad of factors: what La Rochelle want, what the Wallabies are prepared to pay/do, whether he wants to play and whether his body can cope.

Skelton was available for the Rugby Championship but Schmidt decided against it, likely due to his long season, and Schmidt’s desire to mould his domestic playing group.

Money on Rugby Australia’s behalf may also have been a discussion point.

Similarly, while clubs must comply with the release or face penalties under reg 9, it doesn’t stop clubs from disincentivising players from playing for their national sides.

Clubs pay top dollar for their talent and don’t want to risk their marquee players.

Skelton has spoken to the media about the Wallabies’ upcoming end of year tour and has indicated he wants to play.

“Joe hasn’t said for definite if I’m selected,” Skelton told AFP.

“He’s just asked if I’m keen and if I’m in form, playing well, I’m in with a chance… I’ve not been coached under Joe so that would be pretty cool if I’m involved to work under a guy like him.”

“Hopefully then I get picked for what will be three games. It’s a four game series but it’s only three Tests in the window.

Should he play for the Wallabies, his role will be vital.

Skelton brings size, weight, and a mauling ability none of the Wallaby locks have.

The uniqueness of his build could alleviate pressure off a Wallabies side which is lacking in big ball carrying backs, meaning it relies heavily on the forward pack for gainline carries.

This is particularly pertinent, considering Schmidt’s attack shapes are narrow and attritional, something which suits Skelton perfectly.

Skelton would be joining a solid but thin locking stock under Schmidt.

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Jeremy Williams is the only debutant lock to prove he’s ready for the rigours of Test-match rugby, while other debutants Angus Blyth and Josh Canham failed to step-up.

At 113kgs and 198cm he’s the smallest of all the locks used by Schmidt, by a couple centimetres and several kilos.

Whilst size isn’t everything, it is defining factor in a side which is struggling to get over the gainline.

Skelton’s inclusion could get the best out of Williams as a backrow-second row hybrid as well as assist the Wallabies overall.

Skelton would ratchet-up the competition for gameday selection and share some of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto’s load as a key ball carrier.

While Skelton would help in the loose, he would also prove pivotal at set-piece.

Skelton is a proven maul threat on either side of the ball.

While the Wallabies have made big strides in this area, they have leaked big points from their maul and have been unable to make their own maul a weapon.

However, it’s imperative the Wallabies continue their good work because Skelton must be an augment, not a solution to their maul woes.

Skelton’s ballast at scrum time behind Taniela Tupou will cause havoc for any scrum they will face on the tour.

Schmidt’s preferred matchday-23 is firming-up, but it’s clear where reinforcements are needed, and it’s evident the domestic lock options have not cut the mustard.

Whether you’re a Skelton fan or detractor, it is clear to see he adds experience and bulk to a side which is lacking in both.

Schmidt has been biding his time, trying to build a foundation to his squad, so when he adds the cream, ergo Skelton, the core group of players can allow the x-factor talent to shine, as opposed to getting bogged down in the basics.

Skelton can help get the Wallabies over the gainline, stop the haemorrhaging at maul time and lead this side, in what is going to be a very tough tour.

What Skelton can’t do however is bring with him a preconceived way about how he is going to be a Wallaby.

This three-game window is vital, it looms as Skelton’s British and Irish Lions series audition.

Skelton’s challenge is this: to learn Schmidt-ball in three games, which his Wallaby teammates have so far not perfected in nine.

Skelton must resign himself completely to Schmidt’s; ideology, workrate, discipline, and tactics, for he has chosen to stay abroad.

So, should Skelton accept Schmidt’s Wallaby invitation, he must accept and relish the steep learning curve that awaits him.

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11 Comments
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Terry24 27 days ago

"Although the Wallabies’ upcoming Grand Slam tour of the Northern Hemisphere is the imminent challenge, make no mistake, for Schmidt, the Lions tour is the only yard stick."


Don't agree. Jones wrecking of Australia combined with the new RWC pool structure has changed the dynamic.


If Australia are in the Top 6 for the RWC 2027 draw then they are in Band 1 for the draw and avoid a 'heavy' (IRL/SA/FRA/NZ/ENG etc) in their pool. With a greater chance then of winning a pool and further avoiding a heavy in the 1/8 final and until at least the QF. By contrast: If Australia fail to make the top 6 then they are in Band 2; they get a heavy in their Pool and unles they can win that pool they are getting another heavy in the 1/8 final.


The difference between being inside the top 6 and outside for the draw is major: having to play two top 6 teams before the QF compared to avoiding it. Schmidt cannot ignore that. Australia need that top #6 position come draw time.

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Perthstayer 27 days ago

Very happy to see Williams made a couple of 1 or 2 metre gainline busts in tight play in 2H of 2nd Bled. His attitude is worth a few kg.

Rodda lifted Williams' quality and I recon Skelton would do likewise.

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AllyOz 27 days ago

I thought he made a difference when he came in during the 2023 campaign. His French club might play a different style to what Schmidt wants to play but I think Schmidt and ROG hold some similar views on the game. We might need to make some changes at lineout etc to accommodate him but I think it's all doable. I reckon its worth a go on the November tour, just to see how it could work. It sounds like he would make himself available for the Lions tour and he might not make it to the next RWC but that is still a long way off. I think he would bring a real point of difference.

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Cheers 27 days ago

New Zealander Will Skelton

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OJohn 26 days ago

Bit like all those Aussies playing for the All Blacks I guess

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Perthstayer 27 days ago

Grow up

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AllyOz 27 days ago

Technically true, he was born in NZ, but he moved to Australia when he was 10.

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OJohn 27 days ago

"The Wallabies are building a good foundation under Joe Schmidt, but it’s clear they are lacking world class talent.


Sorry John but this is utter tripe. You need to try harder.

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CR 27 days ago

I don’t see the point of picking him. He’s overrated and he hardly ever plays with his French commitments.

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Ardy 27 days ago

OMG, have you no idea what a world class lock looks like? Skelton is possibly, if not the #1 then definitely in the top 3 locks in the world.

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RedWarrior 8 minutes ago
Four talking points after a 'bonkers' England loss to Australia

(See quote below for context.)


The Australia result yesterday was massive but perhaps not for the reasons the author here thinks. Before the match Australia ranked 9th and 5 points behind Argentina in 6th were in real grave danger of an uphill battle in their own RWC to avoid a last 16 elimination. They needed to move in this November series. I suspected they might target a big match to win for points gain and Schmidt must have reasoned that England's 'rest week' between NZ and SA was the one to target. So Australia fighting to the death here may have given the illusion of a 'bonkers' match but it was a team fighting to death to win their key match.

Incredibly, England are now ranked 7th behind Arg in 5th and Scotland in 6th.

Australia re 8th but very close. If Australia win against Wales and Scotland then they they are clear in 6th. If other results go for them they could be 5th. Australia cannot make ground net summer, they had to do it now and they had to get close enough to Argentina to allow Australia to secure the ranking they need next year.

Incredible by Schmidt and Australia but some insights into the extra motivation that may have fueled that performance yesterday.


If SA and NZ win then its 1,2,3 SA/NZ/IRL Otherwise as you were. This is largely irrelevant beyond bragging rights.

As I have pointed out elsewhere the practical use of the Rankings is to determine the seedings bands for the RWC draw. The draw takes place early 2026 and hopefully the rankings will be taken from then.

Important to be in the top 6, the top 12. (and likely the top 4).

This is because there are now 6 groups in the RWC 2027.

If you are in top 6 you are in Seeding Band 1. That means none of the other top 6 will be in your group.

Seeding Band 2 are teams from 7-12, who will have a top 6 team but no other 7-12 team.

After England's defeat by NZ there is clear water between NZ in 3rd, France in 4th and England in 5th. England are desperate for top4, ill come back and explain why later.

Lets look at Seeding Band 1 and 6th place. If you make 6th, no top 6 team is in your group, you are top dog. If you win your group, you won't be facing a top 6 team in your 1/8th final, you will be facing a weaker team. If you fail to make 6th place you WILL have a top 6 team in your group and if you don't win your group you WILL (probably) meet a top 6 in the 1/8 final. That's massive.

Its Argentina holding 6th now. Assuming England hold 5th, then its a 4 horse race for 6th. Argentina, Scotland, Italy and ...Australia. (ranked 6,7,8,9)

Australia play the Lions in NH summer 2025 they are running out of time to get up to 6th for their own RWC. They MUST make a move now. They must beat Wales and they really must beat Scotland to gain points and take points off them. Could they surprise England or Ireland? England may be the better bet but Schmidt knows Ireland so well having masterminded their downfall in France.

Another one to watch is Italy V Argentina. Italy are ambitious and they will want to start pushing the likes of Argentina. If they win this they are still in the hunt. Well worth a watch either way.

Top4: I think the top 6 will be seeded, all the way through from the draw. If thats the case then the top 4 will be seeded to avoid each other until the semi. Good for more certainty around ticket sales etc. That's a possible reason why England want in there. You're not in there you are hitting a top 4 team in a QF. That's an extra 50:50 match you can do without and avoid by being top 4.

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