Australian rugby is about to witness history. James Slipper, one of the Wallabies’ most loyal servants, will become the first Australian player to reach 150 caps when he starts in the Bledisloe Cup opener against New Zealand in Auckland this Saturday.
At 36 years old, Slipper has cemented his legacy in the game. The loose-head prop made his debut for Australia back in 2010 and has since featured in four Rugby World Cups. This weekend, he joins an exclusive club of legends — becoming only the third player worldwide to hit the 150-cap mark, after Sam Whitelock (New Zealand) and Alun Wyn Jones (Wales).
Australia head coach Joe Schmidt hailed the achievement, calling it nothing short of “phenomenal.”
“The thing I love about Slips is that he’s still trying to get better, still working on his game to add to the team as best he can. He’s a massive team man,” Schmidt said.
Slipper already holds the record as Australia’s most-capped player, surpassing George Gregan last year when he made his 140th appearance in a thrilling 31-28 defeat to the All Blacks.
Beyond Slipper’s milestone, the Wallabies have plenty to fight for. They currently lead the Rugby Championship, holding a slender one-point advantage over both South Africa and New Zealand.
And then there’s the big one — the Bledisloe Cup. Australia hasn’t lifted the famous trophy since 2002, and this year they’re desperate to end that 23-year drought.
Fly-half James O’Connor returns to the Wallabies’ starting XV. The 35-year-old just joined Leicester Tigers last week and had a quick UK stopover before making the long trip to New Zealand.
For the All Blacks, captain Scott Barrett has been ruled out with a shoulder injury, meaning Ardie Savea will lead the team at Eden Park.
New Zealand enters the clash still stinging from their record-breaking 43-10 defeat to South Africa earlier this month in Wellington. Coach Scott Robertson admitted the pain of that loss has left his side desperate to respond:
“Once you’ve been hurt and stung like we were, the best thing to do is play,” Robertson said.
With Slipper chasing history, the Wallabies eyeing the Rugby Championship title, and the All Blacks out for redemption, Saturday’s clash at Eden Park promises to be a blockbuster chapter in one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries.
Sports Market International Take: All eyes will be on James Slipper, the Wallabies’ ironman, as he takes his place in rugby’s history books. But in the Bledisloe Cup, personal milestones take a backseat — it’s all about national pride and ending Australia’s 23-year wait.
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