Wallabies lock Will Skelton hopes to bring his brilliant club form into the international arena

His form during the Wallabies’ disappointing spring tour of the UK last year is still a sore point for returning lock Will Skelton.

Lock Will Skelton has joined Wallabies camp. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Towering lock Will Skelton is desperate to make amends for some ordinary Wallabies performances if selected for Australia’s clash against France in Paris on Sunday morning.

Skelton, who plays his club rugby for French side La Rochelle, has joined the Wallabies’ spring tour squad this week following Australia’s 16-15 weekend win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

Despite his excellent form for La Rochelle, Skelton admits he needs to produce better performances for the Wallabies.

Being part of three losing Australian teams on last year’s spring Tour is still a bitter pill to swallow for the former Waratahs forward.

“I don’t think I’ve been the happiest with my form coming into the national team,” Skelton said.

“I don’t think I've played my best, but it is tough coming in just for three games, but you see other countries doing it too and they’re performing well, so that’s down to my preparation and just getting it right for that week.”

“Last year was a tough one. My first three or four days was all learning, trying to get the detail right, and then during the matches, it didn’t fall our way.

“We’re trying to build a foundation, and especially for myself, trying to get all the calls nailed down.”

Will Skelton is keen to deliver for the Wallabies. Picture: Darren England

Following conversations with Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, Skelton is confident he will at least be part of Australia’s 23-man squad for Sunday’s match against the team ranked number two in the world.

“He (Rennie) spoke about coming off the bench and starting. They haven’t named the team yet but I’ll be keen to put my hand up to be in the 23,” Skelton said.

“They’re a very talented team the French. For us, it’ll be trying to stick to our systems, being strong in defence (and) staying connected.

“Coming into the camp there was a bit of a buzz, (and) a lot of positivity in the camp too. We’re ready for this weekend.”

Also hopeful of contributing to Australia’s cause this weekend is Queensland Reds utility back Jock Campbell, who made his Wallabies debut when coming off the bench in the 67th minute as a replacement for fullback Tom Banks against Scotland.

“Everyone’s looking for a start and more minutes,” said Campbell, who suffered a scare in the build-up to his Test debut when he rolled his ankle during a gym session.

“I thought I was done ... (but) the physio said I would be fine.

“It was just a little bit of nervousness, which turned into trying to get my ankle fully right, which it was for the game.”

Originally published as Wallabies lock Will Skelton hopes to bring his brilliant club form into the international arena