In a candid reflection on recent matches and his rugby journey, Will Skelton lauded the strategic prowess of Wallabies' new captain, Harry Wilson, and delved into his enriching experience in the 'cowboy league' of French rugby.
After a nail-biting victory against Argentina, Skelton, currently a towering figure in La Rochelle, shared his thoughts on his team's performance and his time abroad. "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," he remarked during his appearance on the KOKO show.
"Harry Wilson is a great footballer, high rugby IQ and very skillful. He was a pretty good cricketer growing up, so his hand-eye coordination is awesome,"
Skelton praised, highlighting Wilson's leadership qualities. "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."
The lock didn't shy away from expressing his appreciation for the support system around the captain, mentioning key players like James Slipper, Nic White, Allan Alaalatoa, Jake Gordon, and Lenny Ikitau. "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."
Discussing his role during the recent Lions tests, Skelton described how he channels his emotions into protecting his team. "The emotion of the game and what was at stake," he explained, was the drive behind his assertive presence on the field. "It’s just trying to protect your teammates, and that’s a big thing for me."
Skelton also credited his growth to his stint in French rugby, initially shocked by the high level of play in what he perceived as a 'cowboy league'. "I wanted to leave the bubble of Australian Rugby... Then, coming to France, you see the skill and how confrontational the battles are every week, and you learn to love that," he reflected.
Now settled in France with his family, Skelton finds joy in the rough and tumble of the Top 14, coached by the likes of Ronan O'Gara. "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," he concluded, a testament to how foreign play can reshape a player's career and life.
2,193 posts
In a candid reflection on recent matches and his rugby journey, Will Skelton lauded the strategic prowess of Wallabies' new captain, Harry Wilson, and delved into his enriching experience in the 'cowboy league' of French rugby.
After a nail-biting victory against Argentina, Skelton, currently a towering figure in La Rochelle, shared his thoughts on his team's performance and his time abroad. "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," he remarked during his appearance on the KOKO show.
"Harry Wilson is a great footballer, high rugby IQ and very skillful. He was a pretty good cricketer growing up, so his hand-eye coordination is awesome,"
Skelton praised, highlighting Wilson's leadership qualities. "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."
The lock didn't shy away from expressing his appreciation for the support system around the captain, mentioning key players like James Slipper, Nic White, Allan Alaalatoa, Jake Gordon, and Lenny Ikitau. "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."
Discussing his role during the recent Lions tests, Skelton described how he channels his emotions into protecting his team. "The emotion of the game and what was at stake," he explained, was the drive behind his assertive presence on the field. "It’s just trying to protect your teammates, and that’s a big thing for me."
Skelton also credited his growth to his stint in French rugby, initially shocked by the high level of play in what he perceived as a 'cowboy league'. "I wanted to leave the bubble of Australian Rugby... Then, coming to France, you see the skill and how confrontational the battles are every week, and you learn to love that," he reflected.
Now settled in France with his family, Skelton finds joy in the rough and tumble of the Top 14, coached by the likes of Ronan O'Gara. "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," he concluded, a testament to how foreign play can reshape a player's career and life.