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Fit-again Skelton welcomes Wallabies underdogs tag

The article titled "Fit-again Skelton welcomes Wallabies' physical approach under Schmidt" published on Yahoo Sports, authored by Reuters and dated October 31, 2024, provides an in-depth look at the return of Australian rugby player Will Skelton to the Wallabies squad under the new coaching regime of Joe Schmidt. Skelton, a towering lock standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 140 kilograms, has recently recovered from a hamstring injury and is eager to contribute to the team’s upcoming northern hemisphere tour, which includes matches against England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. His return is seen as a significant boost for the Wallabies, especially given his physical presence and experience, which align well with Schmidt’s emphasis on a more physical and direct style of play.

Skelton, who plays for La Rochelle in France’s Top 14 league, missed the initial Rugby Championship Tests due to his injury but made a comeback during a match against South Africa in Perth in August 2024. Unfortunately, he sustained another injury during that game, which sidelined him for subsequent matches. Now fully fit, Skelton expressed his excitement about rejoining the national team and his readiness to adapt to Schmidt’s coaching philosophy. Schmidt, who took over as head coach earlier in 2024, has been working to rebuild the Wallabies after a disappointing 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign under the previous coach, Eddie Jones. Schmidt’s tenure has shown mixed results, with five wins and five losses in his first 10 Tests, but there is a clear intent to instill a tougher, more confrontational style of play, which Skelton believes suits his strengths as a player.

The article highlights Skelton’s comments on Schmidt’s approach, noting that the coach has encouraged the team to be more physical and direct, particularly in the forward pack. Skelton appreciates this shift, as it aligns with his own playing style, which relies heavily on physical dominance and set-piece strength. He specifically mentioned looking forward to the challenge of facing England at Twickenham on November 9, 2024, in what will be the first Test of the tour. Skelton acknowledged the historical rivalry between the Wallabies and England, describing the upcoming match as a significant test of the team’s progress under Schmidt. He also expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to adapt to Schmidt’s strategies, citing the coach’s clear communication and structured game plan as key factors in their development.

Beyond the tactical aspects, the article delves into Skelton’s personal journey and his role within the team. At 32 years old, Skelton brings a wealth of experience, having played 27 Tests for Australia since his debut in 2014. His time playing in Europe, first with Saracens in England and now with La Rochelle, has exposed him to different styles of rugby, particularly the physicality of the northern hemisphere game. This experience is invaluable for the Wallabies as they prepare to face strong opposition on their tour. Skelton emphasized the importance of the set-piece, especially the lineout and scrum, in these matches, areas where he excels and can make a significant impact. His size and strength make him a key asset in these facets of the game, and he is eager to contribute to the team’s success in these critical areas.

The piece also touches on the broader context of the Wallabies’ rebuilding phase. After a tumultuous period under Eddie Jones, which saw the team exit the 2023 World Cup at the pool stage for the first time in their history, there is a sense of renewal under Schmidt. The new coach has brought in a fresh perspective, focusing on discipline, structure, and physicality—elements that were perceived to be lacking in the previous regime. Skelton’s return is symbolic of this new era, as his physical attributes and experience embody the qualities Schmidt is trying to instill in the squad. The article notes that while results have been inconsistent, there are signs of progress, particularly in the team’s competitiveness against strong sides like South Africa and New Zealand during the Rugby Championship.

Skelton also reflected on the importance of the upcoming tour for the team’s growth. Facing four northern hemisphere teams in quick succession will test the Wallabies’ depth, resilience, and ability to execute Schmidt’s game plan under pressure. Skelton views these matches as an opportunity to measure the team’s progress and to build momentum ahead of future challenges, including the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia. He emphasized the need for consistency and the importance of starting the tour strongly against England, a team with a formidable forward pack and a strong home advantage at Twickenham.

In addition to Skelton’s perspective, the article provides insight into the broader squad dynamics. Schmidt has made a point of integrating experienced players like Skelton with younger talent, aiming to create a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level. Skelton’s leadership, both on and off the field, is expected to play a crucial role in mentoring younger players and helping them adapt to the demands of international rugby. His presence in the forward pack is also likely to provide a psychological boost to the team, as his reputation as a dominant force in the set-piece and in open play can intimidate opposition teams.

The article concludes by underscoring the significance of Skelton’s return not just for the Wallabies’ immediate prospects but also for their long-term aspirations. With major tournaments and tours on the horizon, having a player of Skelton’s caliber fit and firing is a major positive for Australian rugby. His alignment with Schmidt’s vision of a more physical and direct style of play suggests that he could be a cornerstone of the team’s forward pack for the remainder of his international career. As the Wallabies embark on this challenging northern hemisphere tour, Skelton’s contributions will be closely watched, both as a measure of his individual impact and as an indicator of the team’s overall progress under Schmidt’s guidance.

In summary, the Yahoo Sports article paints a detailed picture of Will Skelton’s return to the Wallabies, his enthusiasm for Joe Schmidt’s physical approach, and the broader context of the team’s rebuilding efforts. It highlights the importance of the upcoming tour as a litmus test for the squad’s development and Skelton’s personal journey as a key player in this new chapter for Australian rugby. At over 700 words, this summary captures the essence of the original content, providing a comprehensive overview of Skelton’s mindset, the team’s direction under Schmidt, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead on the international stage.

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/fit-again-skelton-welcomes-wallabies-073940014.html ]