Waratahs send Will Skelton to club rugby after ‘slow’ Super Rugby start

WILL Skelton is going back to University. One of Australian rugby’s biggest names has been brought back down to earth after a “slow start” to the season.

Will Skelton during the Waratahs captains run at Allianz Stadium. Picture. Phil Hillyard

WALLABY giant Will Skelton has been dropped from the Waratahs squad because of his lack of impact, and coach Daryl Gibson has sent him to play club rugby in Penrith this weekend to earn his way back into the side.

In Gibson’s biggest call since taking over from Michael Cheika this season, 14-Test Wallaby Skelton was dumped altogether, while veteran Wycliff Palu has been put on the bench to accommodate for a bright young backrow including Jed Holloway and Jack Dempsey.

Gibson admitted he’d taken time out this week to speak to Skelton.

Will Skelton sweats it out during pre-season. Picture: Brett Costello

“I’ve spent a lot of time with him over the last two days, discussing exactly what I want from him, I’ve been very clear,” Gibson said.

“And he is very determined to make sure that he’s doing everything he can to get back in the team.

“He was obviously very disappointed, anytime you’re omitted from the team, it’s a big moment.

“He’s the type of character who clearly knows what he needs to do to get back in the team, and he’s very determined to making sure he’s doing everything he can to do that.

“He’s had a slow start, he’ll admit that. It’s certainly not permanent, this is a temporary situation and I’m sure he’ll be back.

“Will’s had a slow start to the season, and around that I really wanted him to get 80 minutes of game-time under his belt, and that’s why I opted for him to join Sydney Uni.”

Skelton will line up for Uni against Penrith at Nepean Rugby Park, while his Waratahs teammates travel to Brisbane for Sunday’s must-win match against Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.

“And we’re in a cycle where he [Skelton] will play for 50 and then come off and Sam Lousi has been doing incredibly well there too,” Gibson said.

“And also with the performances of the young guys, they’ve earned more game time, and so to cater for that I’ve had to make those changes.

“They’re certainly significant change, but ones that have been rewarded for good performance, that’s something I’ve tried to do.

“We’re trying to play with the ball in hand, but what we’ve tried to modify over the last two or three years is to recognise when running the ball isn’t the best option.

“The lessons for us out of the game against the Highlanders (in 2015) and subsequent losses to the Highlanders is around our kicking, decision-making, and when to run the ball.”