Will Skelton impressed against France, but he is still learning his craft © Getty Images

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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika believes Will Skelton is getting to grips with international rugby, and he hasn't given up the idea of luring the lock's younger, bigger brother back to Australia.

Skelton, 22, exploded onto the Test scene with an impressive starting debut against France in June, but has played a more subtle role on the tour of Europe. Cheika believes the 203cm, 135kg Waratahs forward only now is starting to develop the work ethic and attitude to match his size and power, and the lock is expected to play off the bench for the fourth successive Test when the Wallabies face England at Twickenham on Saturday.

"I think he's still learning about the intensity of the step-up," Cheika said. "I think he got caught out one week [against France] where he didn't get prepared as well, and it probably cost him; but apart from that, I think he's been really good. He's still learning and he knows it."

Skelton, the cousin of former All Blacks back-rower Brad Mika, could have pursued an international career with his native New Zealand or Samoa, his parents' birth country. But he turned down an offer from Graham Henry to join the Blues prior to making his Waratahs debut, and he has since revealed that he also received an approach to play for Samoa, whom he represented at under-20s level.

Cheika is thankful that Skelton chose the green and gold, and he hopes the lock's younger brother is eligible for Australia in the future despite letting him slip from the Waratahs earlier this year.

Samoa Under-20's Cameron Skelton is younger and bigger than his brother, Will © Getty Images

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Cameron Skelton, 19, is 10kg heavier and two centimetres taller than Will, but he left the Waratahs' junior ranks earlier this year to take up an attractive offer with the Chiefs.

"We'll be targeting to get his brother back and not letting him play for New Zealand, that's the idea," Cheika said. "We've got to change our mindset from worrying about losing things to concentrating on getting things."

Will Skelton said he was relishing his first European tour experience despite his limited opportunities, and Cheika believes he will enjoy gradually increased game time for the Waratahs and Wallabies as he continues to develop.

"You always want to be in that starting position but at the end of the day it's a squad-oriented game," Skelton said. "I'm happy to be on the bench and to provide the impact for the boys. [Cheika] is the coach and he knows what I can provide for the team. If that means I don't get as much minutes in this game and have to go and get a good pre-season under my belt for the Waratahs, then I'm happy to put in that hard work."