Super Rugby
Michael Cheika defends Will Skelton's tackling
May 26, 2015
Waratahs 32-22 Crusaders (Australia only)
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Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has defended Will Skelton's tackling technique, saying the lock's 203cm height generally rules out going around the legs.

Auckland-born Skelton found himself in trouble when cited, along with hooker Tolu Latu, and subsequently suspended for a lifting tackle that upended All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock in the Waratahs' Super Rugby win over the Crusaders on Saturday. Latu lifted Whitelock's legs while Skelton had the Crusaders lock's upper body and threw him to the ground.

"I'm not sure what he's done wrong with his tackling technique," Cheika said. "He's just been tackling guys.

"The thing with Whitelock was a little bit unfortunate because he was just trying to get him down on the ground. Two guys like that can't really know what the other is doing.

"Will is taller than everyone, so he doesn't really tackle in the traditional style, of getting down. He wraps arms around and he goes to the upper body to wrestle guys to the ground a bit more because he's a big guy."

Skelton produced what was arguably his finest match for the Waratahs, as he was a constant menace to the Crusaders with his powerful runs, aggressive defence and destructive presence at the breakdown.

Cheika was proud of the Wallabies forward's effort, and challenged him to produce that standard on a regular basis. "It's about consistency, you've got to keep growing and keep that form going, that's really important. It's still early days for him."

© AAP

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