Skelton could be in line to become one of a select group of players who have played against the Lions on two different tours, after taking them on with the Waratahs in 2013 Australia lock Will Skelton says he has been rewatching footage of taking on the British and Irish Lions as a rookie 21-year-old to whet his appetite for this summer's series. Now 33, one of Skelton's first senior matches was as part of a Waratahs sidethat lost 47-17 to the Lions in 2013. "I was very raw," said Skelton. "I didn't understand the magnitude of the tour as I do now with all the experience I have had now. "I watched the game again last week and I walked a lot of that game. "I wasn't actually that good, I didn't have too many involvements - it was probably my third professional game. "I wanted to look at what the atmosphere was like, how I was as a player then, how I have changed and improved, and just take it in as an experience because I know in a few weeks that is coming." Skelton, who moved to La Rochelle from Saracens in 2020, is the only overseas-based player in Australia's squad for their warm-up Test against Fiji on 6 July. Standing 6ft 8in tall and weighing nearly 23 stone, Skelton was asked whether his power could be a way for the Wallabies to get on top of the Lions forward pack. "I will just try and be myself," he added. "They have some great players, but we have also got some weapons in this team. "It is about trying to fulfil that as best we can come those big games. "Aussie rugby in the last two years has improved a lot and this Wallaby team is playing a brand of footy the whole country is getting behind. We really want to take it to these guys." Skelton was part of Australia team that crashed out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup pool stages, but a calf complaint limited his involvement to their opening weekend win over Georgia. He returned to Australia colours for the first time since the tournament in thewin over Wales in the 2024 autumn internationals. The Lions' 2-1 series win in Australia in 2013 was their first tour victory in 16 years, and is also their most recent.
'I was very raw' - Skelton itching for Lions rematch
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"Will Skelton Prepares for Rematch Against British and Irish Lions"
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Will Skelton, the Australian lock, is preparing for a potential rematch against the British and Irish Lions this summer, reflecting on his previous encounter with them during the 2013 tour. At just 21 years old, Skelton played in his early professional career with the Waratahs, where the team suffered a significant defeat, losing 47-17. Now at 33, Skelton has revisited this match footage to analyze his performance and the atmosphere of such a prestigious event. He candidly admitted that he was 'very raw' and lacked an understanding of the tour's significance at that time, noting that he did not engage much during the game and walked through parts of it. This reflective process has allowed him to appreciate the growth and experience he has gained over the years, as he gears up for another chance to face the Lions, a team that represents a formidable challenge in international rugby.
Currently, Skelton is the only overseas-based player in the Australian squad for their warm-up match against Fiji on July 6. Standing at 6ft 8in and weighing close to 23 stone, he is aware that his physicality could be a crucial asset for the Wallabies as they prepare to confront the Lions’ powerful forward pack. Skelton expressed confidence in his team's capabilities, emphasizing that while the Lions boast exceptional players, the Wallabies also have significant strengths to leverage. He believes that Australian rugby has improved considerably over the past two years, and the current Wallabies team is playing a style of rugby that is gaining national support. After a disappointing exit from the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he had limited participation due to injury, Skelton is eager to contribute to the team's success in the upcoming series against the Lions, aiming to reclaim pride in Australian rugby after their recent struggles.
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