It’s hard to see him getting bigger, but NSW Waratahs coach Michael Cheika is convinced Wallabies sensation Will Skelton will only get better.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie credits Cheika for much of Skelton’s meteoric rise, saying his persistence with the New Zealand-born behemoth at Super Rugby level was a key to the 22-year-old’s development.

World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Graham Henry tried to lure Skelton back across the Tasman last year, but Cheika wasn’t letting the big unit go anywhere.

Little more than a year on, Skelton enjoyed a dream Test debut on Saturday, using his 203cm, 140kg frame to charge over for a try in the Wallabies’ big win over France and then laying on another for Israel Folau with a deft short ball.

“He didn’t look out of place up there and the more experience he gets the better he’s going to be,” Cheika said on Tuesday.

“But he’s still got a long way to go and he’s certainly not getting ahead of himself, that’s for sure.

“That’s the best part. You don’t have to worry about him getting a big head.

“He’s just still very new on the circuit and he knows that himself.”

Rarely one to make a fuss, Cheika claimed some of the headlines Skelton created with his impressive debut were over the top.

“He did well, took his opportunities and enjoyed himself, which is the most important thing,” he said.

“He’s a very good lad, he understands what it’s about being part of a team and I’m really happy for him that he’s done well.

“But he knows he’s still got a long way to go to maximise his potential.”

Asked what maximising his potential would mean, Cheika said: “Just the same thing but better – more consistent for longer.

“The guy’s not going to change too much. He’s not going to start chipping over the top and regathering.”

Cheika said Skelton’s showdown with the Brumbies in a bumper Australian conference derby this weekend would be a big test for the Test rookie.

“He’s going to come up against a lot more challenges, starting on Saturday night,” Cheika said.

“Guys now know who he is and they’re going to try to get at him.

“So he’s going to have to learn how to deal with that extra attention and I’m sure he’ll manage it because he’s got the temperament for it.”