Skelton still finding his feet as surprise Wallabies captain

MELBOURNE : Leading the Wallabies into a Rugby World Cup was the last thing on Will Skelton's mind before Eddie Jones tapped the lock on the shoulder to offer him the job.

Even by Jones's unpredictable standards, it was one of the coach's most left-field decisions in a squad brimming with surprises.

Six days on from being unveiled as skipper, Skelton understandably is still getting his head around a role that for much of the past year was shared between long-serving captain Michael Hooper and prop James Slipper.

"I've leaned on the other boys a lot," Skelton told reporters in Sydney.

"Slips (Slipper), Whitey (Nic White), Andrew Kellaway. They've helped me through this week.

"I'm still a bit awkward when I'm in the huddle. The boys are looking at me for that last say - something I'm not used to.

"But I really want to grow in this role and make it mine."

France-based Skelton may struggle for the right words but has tended to let his rugby do the talking.

The soft-spoken 31-year-old has been one of the linchpins of La Rochelle's back-to-back European Champions Cup titles.

A decision to head to Europe six years ago has meant sacrificing plenty of international rugby due to Australia's policy of preferring home-based players.

But his selection as skipper aligns completely with Jones's desire for a break from the past.

The old guard of Hooper and flyhalf Quade Cooper have made way for Skelton and rookie number 10 Carter Gordon, players unburdened by years of disappointment in the Wallabies' jersey.

Skelton is yet to work out how the mechanics of on-field leadership will work but suggested he would consult team mates including his young vice-captain, scrumhalf Tate McDermott.

"I'm not going to have all the answers as well," he said.

"We'll