The Wallabies have received a giant boost in their quest for the Bledisloe Cup, with towering second-rower Will Skelton set to play the second Test against New Zealand in Perth next month.
Skelton, who has been one of Australia’s best players this year, flew back to France after the Wallabies’ two Tests against South Africa last month to link up with his club team La Rochelle.
He did not feature in Australia’s two Tests against Argentina.
Skelton won’t play in this Saturday’s opening Bledisloe Cup fixture in Auckland, but Rugby Australia has confirmed the 33-year-old will link up with the squad in Perth ahead of game two on October 4th. Both Bledisloe Cup matches fall inside the international window, but Rugby Australia had been in talks with La Rochelle to ensure Skelton’s release.
The 33-year-old was eager to play in the opening Test in Auckland, but scheduling proved a stumbling block.
Without Skelton, Australia edged Argentina 28-24 in Townsville before falling 28-26 in Sydney a week later.
His return from Europe underlines the Wallabies’ confidence they can break a 39-year Eden Park drought against the All Blacks.
The Wallabies must win both Tests to reclaim the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2002, although a win and a draw would also suffice.
However, the Rugby Championship will still be up for grabs.
With two games each to play, the Wallabies lead with 11 points, ahead of South Africa and New Zealand, who are at 10 points each, and Argentina is on 9 points.
The Wallabies will meet the All Blacks at 5.05pm at Eden Park and Argentina will face South Africa at 3.10am Sunday.
[Source: Sydney Morning Herald]
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