Skelton flies into Dublin to be ruled out of Irish Test
Bell disagrees that the Wallabies are tired after a long season that included the Rugby Championship, the Lions series and tests against Japan, England and Italy.
“We certainly have enough gas in the tank… When you play for the Wallabies, when you play for your country, whether you’ve done it once or 100 times, it’s a huge honour,” Bell said.
“Every week is exciting, every week is an opportunity. I’m sitting here as a 25-year-old and you never know how many Tests you’re going to play.”
“You never know what’s going to happen around the corner and every time you put on that jersey it’s an absolute privilege. There’s no greater motivation than playing for your country.”
Angus Bell scored against Italy.Credit: Getty Images
Carter Gordon also confirmed his availability for selection after leaving the field with a tight back four in the 52nd minute, limiting his ability to shoot from hand and kick-off. Gordon confirmed it was a precautionary measure.
“I think we’re just on the safe side, we made a decision at the beginning of the week that we’re obviously going to tone down some of those kicks, but ideally I’m back to doing pretty much all of them,” Gordon said.
Skelton’s absence from the Wallabies has highlighted the importance of recent arrival James O’Connor, who was not selected for the Italy Test and is holidaying in Morocco.
The Wallabies confirmed O’Connor was in Dublin to help prepare the squad ahead of the Ireland clash; Gordon is already enjoying what he sees from the veteran point guard.
“Obviously Rabsey (O’Connor) has had a lot of experience in his time and he still has some talent as we saw a little bit in our reviews this morning, but when you get the opportunity to learn from these guys, take it,” Gordon said.
