Skelton locked and loaded for Bledisloe

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OF all the signs Will Skelton is ready to meet the All Blacks, one comment stood out after his Test debut on Saturday.

"When Izzy calls for the ball you give it to him," Skelton said.

It was a modest deflection by Skelton on the subtle skills used to send Folau in untouched for a second try in Australia's clean-sweep win over France.

But that touch wasn't missed by Folau and, along with 140kg of physicality, a big engine and humility, it has the star No. 15 convinced Skelton is ready for a Bledisloe Cup berth.

"He has worked extremely hard to get his position in the team, and he is one of those types of player that rises to the occasion," Folau said.

Wallabies lock Will Skelton sizes up fhe France defence. Source: News Corp Australia

"Especially playing the big games against the All Blacks. He would be looking forward to those challenges. He'd be looking forward to it.

"That pass I got off him was pretty skilful for a big man.

"He had a great debut. Not only that pass, but his workrate on the park was first-class. It opened up some opportunities."

Coach Ewen McKenzie entered the French series with a migraine about where to find more Wallaby locks but will be happy to leave it with a mild headache about which ones to leave out next Test.

One of three debutant locks to be blooded in June, Skelton stuck his hand up with a strong first Test, just as Sam Carter did in Brisbane before being injured. Luke Jones didn't look overawed off the bench in Melbourne, either.

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With contrasting styles, it gave McKenzie plenty to think about but Skelton's X-factor skill contribution — and surprisingly high workrate — likely edged him ahead at the selection table for when the All Blacks arrive for the first Test on August 17.

McKenzie flagged Skelton's skill midweek but Folau revealed the extent of the execution shown as well by the 203cm giant by saying he'd not only called for that try-assist pass in the play prior, but the hotel roomies had even planned it pre-game.

"During the week we have been speaking about it. I saw it just coming off the sideline there, and called it to Will. He is a big man and he attracts a lot of players, so you are always going to have guys getting sucked in when he is winning the ball," Folau said.

Will Skelton reaches out to score a a try for the Wallabies. Source: Getty Images

"He was laughing because I worded him up before coming off the sideline, saying it's on, it's on. That's probably why we had a bit of a laugh in the in-goal there."

Though naturally confident, for Skelton's part any talk of playing against New Zealand — the country of his birth — was a step too far.

"I'm not thinking about that at the moment. I'm ready to go back for the Tahs and play the Brumbies," he said.

The Kiwis will no doubt clock Skelton's size and skill, but in truth, they'll be more scared about Folau's foresight — and superbly angled run — to score his second than the pass.

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From a still uncertain three-Test rookie who failed to make an impact in the 2013 Bledisloe Cup battles, Folau is now twice the player with twice the confidence.

With another year under his belt, Folau's tries are now mostly scored with support lines, not individual brilliance that can be defended with numbers. Not unlike the source of Folau's good friend Jonah Lomu's potency, at his prime.

"I am learning a lot more, every time I am playing a game. It's just about finding those opportunities in a game, and capitalising on them," Folau said.

Wallabies fullback Israel Folau celebrates his second try against France. Source: News Corp Australia

"One year for me, personally, makes a big difference. I will certainly look forward to that, and you know what to expect.

"With the All Blacks it's always going to be a challenge. They've been the benchmark for a long time now, and those are the teams that you want to put your best performance against."

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