Saint-Etienne: Returning Wallabies enforcer Will Skelton says he had no qualms being overlooked for Australia’s series against England in July or being benched on last year’s spring tour but has assured he’s ready to “rip in” and “not be a passenger” ahead of this weekend’s Test against a French side featuring many familiar faces.
It comes as Skelton also didn’t rule out the possibility of an Australian homecoming in the future.
In his first interview since joining Wallabies camp on Sunday afternoon, Skelton told the Herald from the team’s base in France he’d received warm welcomes from teammates who hadn’t seen the 203-centimetre second-rower since last year’s winless spring tour.
Skelton had just finished playing for his club La Rochelle on Saturday when he learned of Australia’s 16-15 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield.
“It’s always good to be in camp and see what’s the craic,” Skelton said. “It’s quite similar to last year. It’s always a refreshing environment when I come back here. Obviously it’s not the results [the Wallabies have wanted] in the last season but the boys are always positive and ready to rip in.
“[The Scotland result] is massive for the team. You never take any win or game for granted and particularly given we haven’t won in Scotland for a while. The buzz has been pretty good and we’re looking to rip into France.”
Will Skelton during his first Wallabies training session of this year’s spring tour.Credit:Andrew Phan/Wallabies Media
Skelton, who grew up in Sydney, has been based overseas since 2017 – firstly at Saracens in the UK and then La Rochelle in France – and is a genuine star in Europe.
Skelton’s size is something to behold and his ability to get over the advantage line is why he is regarded as one of the most devastating forwards in European rugby.
Despite this, Skelton was overlooked by Wallabies coach Dave Rennie for Australia’s recent three-Test series against England that Australia lost 2-1.
With three overseas picks up his sleeve, Rennie opted for three backs: Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi and Quade Cooper, instead of the two-time European Champions Cup winner.
Skelton said he didn’t lose sleep over it and has made it clear he also wasn’t upset at being benched for all three matches of Australia’s spring tour last year, which resulted in defeats to Scotland, England and Wales.
Many thought it was a waste of Skelton’s talent.
“I honestly didn’t mind,” said Skelton of his non-selection in the England series. “We had a long season. I spoke to ‘Rens’ after the series and we spoke after the series and about my mission. He just said we were targeting this period for me to be involved. I was happy with that.
Will Skelton will line up for the Wallabies this weekend against France. Credit:Andrew Phan/Wallabies Media
“Just to be back involved in camp [last November] I was extremely grateful. To play and put the jersey on again was very special. Obviously, you’re trying to start but I know now the finishers that come off the bench are just as important as the starters. I’ll always try and put my hand up to start but I’ll do the best for the team.
“I start at club level. Being involved in the 23 and add value is my goal here, but I’m not here to just be a passenger. I want to add where I can and I’m really happy to be here.”
Asked whether his inside knowledge of playing in France every week could benefit the Wallabies ahead of a showdown on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) with the world’s second-ranked side, who have won their last 10 Tests, Skelton had this to say: “It is and it isn’t [a benefit]. Any time you play for your country you step up and you play to your strengths. They’ve obviously got some great players … Antoine Dupont is the best player in the world.
“They’re not short of talent and they are the best team in the world right now. It’s a massive challenge for us. Rugby in Europe at the moment is massive. You can tell by the top teams being in the top three or four in the world rankings.”
Skelton left Australian rugby five years ago and in doing so, knew he was no guarantee to represent the Wallabies regularly. However, a tweak to eligibility laws now means he is more likely to be called back for international honours.
The 30-year-old has his sights on next year’s Rugby World Cup in France and when pressed on an Australian homecoming, Skelton said it was a possibility.
Of course, Rugby Australia and a Super Rugby franchise would need to come to the table with a very enticing offer for a Skelton return to come to fruition.
“Right now I’m signed [in France] until 2025. After that, it could be an option,” Skelton said. “For now I’m really concentrating on being here with the Wallabies and then going back to my club and performing.
“But to go to a World Cup would be great. That’s obviously the goal but you have to perform not only for your club but at Test level.”
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