Will Skelton is still working his way back from an Achilles injury. But Wallabies coach Les Kiss says the lock “just felt the excitement” of a Wallaby shirt when he dropped in on the squad.
Kiss also revealed the Wallabies’ medics have been working with La Rochelle to “get a line on him”.
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What Will Skelton told Les Kiss
Kiss was asked about his relationship with Skelton moments after joking that he was “getting excited myself” about Sunday’s backline battles.
“I’ve known Will, but… had a good chat to him today about a few things and how he’s going,” Kiss said.
“He was just talking about just putting on a shirt, a Wallaby shirt, and he just felt the excitement of doing that.
“And it’s great when you got a guy who’s been through what he’s been through. He can still feel that beautiful nature thing about putting this kit on.”
‘The guys are very fond of him’
Kiss said the squad had taken to him.
“He’s had a positive effect… the guys are very fond of him,” he said. “He’s a good man.”
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The Wallabies have ‘an eye on him’
Skelton was listed as unavailable when the Wallabies named their touring squad in October. He suffered a suspected ruptured Achilles playing for La Rochelle in March, and said days later that his club season was over.
Kiss said the medics wanted to “see where he is”. The message to La Rochelle: “Let them know that we got an eye on him.”
He made clear Skelton was not the only one. “We’ve had a couple of guys dropping in just to see how we are,” he said.
Who plays lock without Will Skelton?
Without him, Kiss has picked Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams in the second row against Scotland at Murrayfield. Lachlan Shaw is among the replacements. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto was left out.
The Wallabies arrive in Edinburgh after a 45-22 defeat to England at Twickenham.
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Skelton will not be at Murrayfield on Sunday 15 November. Kiss gave no date for his return, only the promise that the Wallabies are watching.
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