Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie is backing NSW Waratahs enforcer Will Skelton to grab his opportunity when he debuts for Australia against France at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
The Wallabies are chasing a clean sweep of the three-Test series after dominating the tourists in the first two matches. McKenzie has decided to throw Skelton into the fray and has no doubt the 203cm, 135kg lock is up to the challenge of international rugby.
“During the series we’ve already benefited from giving two other locks, Sam Carter and Luke Jones, their first opportunities for Australia…and now it’s Will’s turn to show us what he’s got,” McKenzie said.
“I’ve been really impressed with his attitude and the contribution he’s made to this team since the beginning of the series. He’s obviously got impressive metrics, but he also has a big motor and is particularly skillful.”
Skelton is looking forward to making his first appearance for the Wallabies after deciding against pledging his allegiance to the All Blacks. The 22-year-old was born in New Zealand and didn’t move to Sydney until he was 10. He was approached by Auckland Super Rugby coach John Kirwan about turning out for the Blues and declaring himself for the Kiwis but resisted the overtures.
“We had a talk. We had meetings. I felt NSW was the place I needed to be,” Skelton told Newscorp. “I was pretty close. It was a tough decision, but I’m happy I stuck with NSW.”
