Wallabies lock Will Skelton is relishing consistent time in the national set-up, looking to showcase the talent that has led to astute judges labelling him one of the best locks in the world.
Skelton has been essentially a FIFO Wallaby since returning to the set-up in 2021, coming in for Spring Tours in-between shifts for French powerhouse La Rochelle.
It means this week's camp on the Gold Coast is the first time since 2016 the towering lock has been involved in Wallaby training on home soil.
The extended build to the World Cup will do wonders for the Wallabies according to Skelton as they get used to life under Eddie Jones.
"I think it's going to benefit us a lot because Eddie’s obviously new to the Wallabies set-up; different calls and different systems, different way of playing, so just to get us all in and then get around it," he told reporters.
"We’ve got a few young boys too in the team, so it'll be good prep for Pretoria next week.
"...I haven’t been back home in the training camp for a while, it’s nice to be back at Sanctuary Cove."
Depending on what side of the Hemisphere you sit on often dictates how pundits and fans rate the 31-year-old.
In the north, he is considered one of the best locks in the world; a world-class talent that can change a game and the key piece powering La Rochelle to back-to-back European titles.
However, Skelton concedes Wallabies fans haven't seen the best of him, with the side winless in his six appearances since returning to the fold.
"I probably have had a lot of opportunity in the jersey, probably not taken the best step forward, I think in my personal opinion performance-wise," he admits.
"But it's obviously a different opportunity now for me to come over here and inject a bit of experience and a bit of wisdom.
"I’m a bit older now as well and see what I can add to this team going forward."
Skelton is joined in camp by fellow French-based lock Richie Arnold as one of five overseas-based players.
"Richie’s a pest," he remarked with a smile. "On the rugby field, he’s a nuisance. In the lineout, particularly, he's a menace. Also, he's physical, he has that edge. His knowledge of the game is up there as well with the best of them.
"He's a great guy. I’ve played a lot against Richie, I think I'm bloody 0-9 against Richie and his brother (Rory) at Toulouse. That’s not nice to hear every time the boys mention it at camp. I’m happy that Richie’s here because he deserves it.
"He's been playing world-class rugby over at Toulouse and hopefully he brings that experience and that form into the gold jersey."
