Will Skelton opens up on Wallabies’ ‘very special’ challenge against British & Irish Lions
Will Skelton in action for the Waratahs against the British & Irish Lions in 2013 and in preparation for the Wallabies' series with the famous touring team in 2025.
Experienced Wallabies second-rower Will Skelton is looking forward to the upcoming three-Test series against the British & Irish Lions in Australia.
Skelton, who plies his trade with Top 14 outfit La Rochelle, is no stranger to the Lions as he was part of the Waratahs team that suffered a 47-17 defeat against them when they last toured Australia in 2013.
Since then, Skelton has gone on to reach great heights in the game as he has won four European Champions Cup titles – two with La Rochelle and two with his former club Saracens.
The behemoth lock was just 21 years old when he faced the Lions in 2013, and believes taking on the famous touring team this year will be a very different experience from what it was 12 years ago.
‘A massive occasion for rugby’
“I didn’t understand the magnitude of the [Lions] tour as I do now with all the experience I’ve had. It’s a massive occasion for rugby and especially rugby in Australia,” Skelton told reporters.
“[Facing the Lions] would be the pinnacle… it’s very special and a lot of players have been putting their hand up to try and play in those games.”
The Wallabies‘ second-row stocks are healthy with the likes of Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain all included in head coach Joe Schmidt‘s 36-man squad after impressing during the Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
However, standing at 2,03 metres and 145 kilograms, Skelton brings something different to the party, which could give the Wallabies an advantage in the Test series against the Lions.
La Rochelle’s poor form benefits Wallabies
Skelton’s selection for the Wallabies has been helped by La Rochelle failing to advance to the Top 14 play-offs, and he is relishing the opportunity to be part of what could be an epic series.
“I don’t think you’re ever sure [about selection],” admitted the 33-year-old.
“You can have conversations with the coaches throughout that time, but you never know.
“It’s probably the first time in a while that I’ve been selected in a squad and been able to relish that moment beforehand.
“So that’s a really cool feeling and to be able to prep really well with the boys in the first campaign of 2025, that’s really special and I feel I’ll keep that close to my heart.”
