Fitter Skelton aiming for Wallaby return
Oct 27, 2016 - 6:09 AM A new diet has helped Will Skelton conquer his body issues as the fringe Wallaby gets set to fight for his old second-row position on the European tour.Injury and form problems have kept Skelton to just two Test appearances for Australia this season, while rival locks such as Adam Coleman and Rory Arnold have overtaken him in the pecking order for selection.
But ahead of the team's departure on Friday, Skelton revealed a few nutritional adjustments have left him in the best physical shape of his career.
While the 203cm giant still weighs around 140kg, he says feels more mobile and energetic and able to contribute more at training.
"Just eating less," Skelton told reporters.
"I'm just a bit more efficient with my food - I was eating at the wrong times, on days off eating the same amount as what I'd eat on a training day.
"I wasn't in a good place during the Waratahs season (but) I've started this new diet and it's been working really well.
"It's not a major change but my body feels really good and I'm looking forward to hopefully putting my hand up for some Tests."
Skelton, 24, suffered a pectoral injury at last year's World Cup which affected his Super Rugby output this year and admitted he's been through a difficult period after bursting onto the Australian rugby scene two years ago.
"It's a process," he said.
"A lot of players go through it in their career.
"(But) I've had some goals I wanted to hit this year and I feel I've hit them off the field.
"Now it's just up to selectors and coaching staff to put their faith back in me."
Skelton's first priority is to regain his green and gold jersey, but he has also been selected to represent the Barbarians against South Africa at London's Wembley Stadium on November 5, along with a number of fellow Australians including Taqele Naiyaravoro, Wycliff Palu and Andrew Ready.
The Barbarians will be coached by former Wallabies mentor Robbie Deans, but whether Skelton plays for them or not will depend entirely upon Michael Cheika.
"I think Cheik's the main factor there and the decision maker. My focus is solely on the Wallabies at the moment and if I get a game there, I get a game," he said.
Source: AAP
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