Wallabies manager Joe Schmidt believes Star Rock Will Skeleton can play until the Rugby World Cup 2027, but he still acknowledges a huge amount of his immediate Test future.
Skeleton returned to the Test Arena sensation last weekend to help bend the defense of the British and Ireland Lions as Wallabies built a 23-5 halftime lead.
The veteran Locke once again approached the key player against the Sydney Lions this weekend, 45 minutes after returning from a calf injury, especially after the wounds of Rob Barrecini.
But the availability of skeletons beyond Saturday night is engulfed in uncertainty, along with several other Wallabies who have committed their futures to clubs overseas beyond this season. If Schmidt stays true to his words, there could be some like Taniera Tupou, Rangi Gleason and Tom Hooper outside for the rugby championship as Kiwis try to prioritize local talent.
But injuries can change that way of thinking, but the skeleton could be pressured by French paymaster La Rochelle to not be able to use himself. His club coach Ronan Ogara has focused on the skeleton through his commentary duties with Sky Sports.
“We have them, but they’re probably in their early stages, and those conversations will probably be a little clearer after Saturday,” Schmidt said of the availability of skeleton Wallabies beyond this weekend.
“I’ll catch up with Will on Sunday, and from there I’ll check the map a little forward. But he brings the confidence to have the experience of winning things, and he gives it a little contagious confidence to it.
“The people around him gain confidence from playing with Will.”
Skeleton has not played state rugby in Australia since 2016 after accepting a short-term contract with the English Powerhouse Saracen in 2016.
He has since tasted the glory of both the English Premiership and the European Cup, and was nominated for European Player of the Year in 2023-24, making him one of the game’s most popular signatures.
The skeleton, who signed with La Rochelle until the end of the 2027-28 Northern season, will be 36 years old by the time the deal expires at the 2027 World Cup.
“I think it’s realistic to see him being part of the conversation because he plays the volume and he certainly has a contract with La Rochelle beyond that,” Schmidt said of Skeleton’s 2027 RWC outlook.
“It’s very difficult to predict a player’s performance, but isn’t he a huge person?
While it is unlikely that the skeleton will play the entire rugby championship, heading to South Africa for two Tests against the Wallabies’ World Championship is plausible to be placed on ice for the tournament’s closing game.
Certainly, Alan Arratoa’s shoulder injury created a tricky situation regarding the Tupo, holding Barrecini down from this weekend’s Lions finale and getting him right in two weeks to get him right due to an opening Springbok crash.
Tighthead, who signed a two-year deal with Racing 92 in Paris, shows that this weekend showed signs of true improvement in the Pacifica team that faced the Lions between the first and second Tests.
But if Araratoa was right, Schmidt would have been trying to prioritize backup Tightheads Tom Robertson and Zane Nongorr for the rugby championship, but that plan is plagued by Brumbies Skipper’s injuries.
Similarly, Hooper and Gleeson may have been under pressure to hold the rugby championship spot if Valetini fits perfectly, but the nasty backlower calves may still win the duo.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who can play both rock and number 6, is knocking on the door for selection after outstanding games from Aunz Invitational XV and First Nations-Pasifika XV.