Will Skelton credits new captain for ‘rugby IQ’ as he reflects on learnings from ‘cowboy league’
Will Skelton credits new captain for 'rugby IQ' as he reflects on learnings from 'cowboy league'
Will Skelton has praised Argentina for their performance against the Wallabies at the weekend, highlighting the areas in which the team have improved, despite the late Australia comeback.
Speaking on the KOKO show, the giant lock was pleased that his teammates managed to get the win in his absence, saying: “Argentina were great. Their set piece was awesome, and you can tell that they’ve improved so much as a team as well, so to get the win there in the 85th minute was special.”
Reflecting on the Wallabies’ impressive resurgence in recent weeks, Skelton praised those leading the team.
“Harry Wilson is a great footballer, high rugby IQ and very skilful,” said Skelton about the Wallabies captain. “He was a pretty good Cricketer growing up, so his hand-eye coordination is awesome.
“He doesn’t really change much, which I really love. He doesn’t speak too much, but again, being a great player, he backs his performances, and the boys follow his lead that way.
“He’s surrounded by great players. He got James Slipper, Nic White, Allan Alaalatoa, Jake Gordon, and Lenny [Ikitau], a lot of guys in that leadership group who he can lean on, and I think that’s helping him flourish.
“Fraser McReight, too, stepping in that last test just shows that whoever does have the C around his name, they’re backed by the squad and they’re backed by great leadership.”
The great Australian enforcer
Part of being a good leader is supporting and standing up for those around you, something that the 2.03 metre tall La Rochelle player does in spades. Talking about his enforcer role in the recent Lions tests, Skelton claimed “the emotion of the game and what was at stake” was the reasoning behind his lively performances.
“It’s just trying to protect your teammates, and that’s a big thing for me. It builds from the connection we have in the team, protecting your brothers, and looking after your brothers.
“You’re not going out there pushing and shoving for no reason,
“I do make sure that I back it up with my performance,” he concluded.
French rugby is creating stars
There’s no doubt that Skelton does back it up. His game has improved significantly due to his time in France, but just why is that?
“I wanted to leave the bubble of Australian Rugby. In 2016, I went on a loan deal to Saracens for two months to play a different style of rugby.
“We know how Cheika played at that time. I never heard of a box kick before. So to go to Sarries, where I feel like the box kick and the kick-chase behind was invented, that really opened my eyes.
“Then, coming to France, you have a perception of what the Top 14 is like. You think it’s a bit like a cowboy League. Then you see the skill and how confrontational the battles are every week, and you learn to love that. And I really love the grind of the top 14; it’s a tough competition.
“I flourish because I’ve enjoyed time with my family. My two boys were born here, and we love it here. I love being coached by ROG and how he takes on the game is here in France. I love how physical it is, and the grind of it and that life experience and the lifestyle and being able to just sit down and put a marker down where we’re living and really enjoy my footy and time with my family.”
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