Cheika jumps to Skelton’s defence

Editor

Waratahs boss Michael Cheika has defended the tackling technique of his lock Will Skelton, who was heavily criticised after Saturday's win over the Crusaders.

Skelton and Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu have been cited after they executed a tip tackle on Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock in Saturday's clash in Sydney.

Latu  – who was yellow carded for the offence – lifted Whitelock's legs while Skelton held on to his upper body before throwing him to the ground.

But Cheika defended Skelton's actions and said his 2.03metres means he usually avoids tackling players around their legs.

"I'm not sure what he's done wrong with his tackling technique, he's just been tackling guys," Cheika told AAP.

Skelton was highly-motivated against the Crusaders and played arguably his finest match the Waratahs.

Cheika was full of praise for his player and challenged him to produce similar performances consisitently.

"It's about consistency, you've got to keep growing and keep that form going, that's really important," added Cheika.

"It's still early days for him."