What is the biggest urban legend? Will Skelton's airport trips or Rassie Erasmus' mind games?
Image: DAVID GRAY / AFP
Standing at 2.03m and 145kg, and wearing size 19 boots (it doesn't matter if it's US or UK 19, does it?), Will Skelton is built like a brick outhouse.
Over the years, there have been many urban legends about the big Wallaby lock. Many of them probably originated in Australian bars and were greatly exaggerated as the evening edged closer to bad-decisions-o'clock.
One such tale involves Skelton going through airport security and being unable to fit through the full-body scanner. Before bringing out the metal detector, legend has it the security officer asked Skelton if he had any guns, to which he replied: 'I only have these biceps and a half-eaten protein bar…'
However, on a rugby field, the legend of Will Skelton is very, very real. A big, intimidating bruiser, he brings a hard and physical edge to any team he plays for.
Just ask the British and Irish Lions about Skelton's presence in the Wallabies' line-up for the second and third Tests of their recent tour Down Under. While Skelton was on the field, the Wallabies scored more points than the tourists.
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The Wallabies beefed up their pack for the second Test, bringing in Skelton and No 8 Rob Valetini to combat the brutality that helped the Lions win the first Test in Brisbane.
In the first half of that second Test, Skelton and Valetini carried with real venom, giving the Wallabies' inexperienced backline some front-foot ball to challenge the Lions. Skelton also got in the faces of the visitors, making his presence felt.
However, when Valetini didn't return after the break and Skelton was subbed off early in the second half, the Wallabies' physical edge dropped back to Brisbane levels again. The Lions dominated at scrum time and began to gain the upper hand at the breakdown, winning collisions and momentum. They ended up scoring a last-minute try to clinch the series with a Test to spare.
Skelton was again a key player for the Wallabies in the third Test and managed to go the distance thanks to an extended half-time break caused by a thunderstorm. This time, the Wallabies held on for the win.
It will be interesting to see how the Wallabies use Skelton over the next two weeks in their Rugby Championship openers against the Springboks. This could be one of the reasons why Bok coach Rassie Erasmus hinted at Monday's surprise early team announcement that he may make a late change depending on the Wallabies' bench.
For the Australians to compete against the Springboks, they need to front up physically, and they need their biggest beast, Skelton, on the field.
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