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Follow-up post on G&GR re Will Skelton as a Test Lock.
My comments regarding Will Skelton's ongoing poor performances as a Test level Lock have drawn a few comments.
Although we see glimpses of Skelton's potential in Super Rugby, he has yet to prove himself as a regular and reliable Lock for the Wallabies. Accordingly, he is taking the place of players who have shown a greater desire to develop the fitness and necessary skill set.
Nothing shows this situation more than a comparison of his performance at various levels over the past 2 years.
My hope is that this information will stimulate some worthwhile discussion.
Will Skelton – Over the past 2 years
Game Time – Ruck Involvements – TOW - Discipline
- All stats are presented as averages per 80 minutes in order to allow for different game time. This provides a better indication of work rate - especially when comparing with others.
- Averaging less game time in 2016 (Fitness or Plan?)
- Reduced involvement in Defensive Rucks in Test rugby.
- Nil Turn Overs Won in Test Rugby.
- Penalised significantly more in Test rugby (Trying to “impose” himself upon the game?)
Tackling – Ball Carries – Line Out
- Tackles more in Test rugby
- Main RWC game against Uruguay (10 mins against Fiji)
- More carries but less m gained in 2016.
- Reduced Defenders Beaten and Off Loads in 2016.
- Limited Line Out impact in Test Rugby.
Conclusions:
- Skelton is not as fit in 2016 as he was in 2015.
- Skelton is struggling to have the same impact in test Rugby as he does in Super Rugby.
- Skelton has minimal impact in Defensive Rucks in Test rugby with no regular Turn Overs Won. His role is mainly supporting the Wallabies ball carriers.
- Skelton is rarely used as a Line Out Option in test rugby.
Note: I have no data for effectiveness in Mauls and Scrums.