Will Skelton is firming as a Wallabies starter against the All Blacks, and it’s not his sheer size that’s getting him over the line.

Coach Ewen McKenzie says it was the skill and vision of Skelton that caught his eye more than his giant 2.03m, 140kg frame.

According to McKenzie, Skelton’s brilliant performance on debut against France proved the Wallabies attack is more than Israel Folau.

He admits the NSW Waratahs lock will be difficult to ignore for the first Bledisloe Cup Test on August 16.

“You need a point of difference whenever you play any team,” McKenzie said.

“The more threats you’ve got the more complicated it is for the opposition defence.

“The threats don’t need to be limited to fullback. They can be right across the park.

“Everyone talks about Will’s size. I’ve always liked his game sense.”

Skelton scored with a destructive run and was also powerful at the breakdown.

But the highlight came shortly after halftime, when he drew in two French defenders and put Folau through a hole with a superb pass.

Folau said he plans to run off Skelton’s shoulder as often as possible and believes his NSW teammate is ready for the All Blacks.

“Yeah I think so. He’s worked extremely hard to get his position in the team and he’s the type of player that rises to the occasion,” Folau said.

“Especially playing the big games against the All Blacks, he’ll be looking forward to those challenges.

“His work-rate around the park was first-class and he really opened up some opportunities. That pass I got off him was pretty special for a big man.

“Will is a big man and attracts a lot of players. So you’re always going to get guys getting sucked in when he runs the ball.”