“There’s still a lot to play for and also playing in the jersey we’ve got guys like Slips [James Slipper], who played 150 games for his country,” Skelton said.
“We want to make everyone in Australia proud of what we do and how we play footy so the Bledisloe might be gone, but we’re definitely putting everything we can into winning this Rugby Championship, and that will start at today’s training, and then we’ll build the week nicely so that we can really be at our peak come Saturday.”
James Slipper’s 150th Test ended in disappointment at Eden Park.Credit: Getty Images
Skelton’s appearance in the second and third Tests against the British and Irish Lions, and in the two-Test series against South Africa significantly enhanced the Wallabies’ physicality and ability to gain post-contact metres. Against New Zealand in Perth, he will combine with breakaway Rob Valetini, who has recovered from a calf strain.
Dylan Pietsch has returned to Wallabies training and will be involved in non-contact work after suffering a broken jaw in the victory against South Africa in Johannesburg as he looks to gain fitness ahead of the November tour to England, Italy, Ireland and France.
Andrew Kellaway did not travel to Perth as he recovers from a calf injury, while Tom Hooper has been passed fit after leaving the field at Eden Park for a head injury assessment.
Tate McDermott has been ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand in Perth after damaging his hamstring early in the game at Eden Park and his recovery timeline will be determined by scans on Monday.
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Nic White will provide support in training in the absence of McDermott, with recent Test debutant Ryan Lonergan and returning Waratahs captain Jake Gordon competing to start at halfback in Perth.
The All Blacks are dealing with their own injury woes. Beauden Barrett was ruled out of Saturday’s Test with a shoulder injury, leaving Damian McKenzie as a likely starter and Ruben Love promoted as a replacement playmaker.
