James Slipper’s resurrection from depression and drugs to national team all but complete

When James Slipper was banned from Australian rugby after testing positive for cocaine use his international career looked over — it wasn’t.

James Slipper of the Wallabies during the Wallabies v All Blacks Bledisloe Cup game 1 at ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park. pic Mark Evans

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James Slipper will make a rousing return to the Wallabies’ Test front-row against South Africa this weekend after beating the mental health issues that led him to cocaine early last year.

The Wallabies are yet to name their side but Slipper’s starting role was confirmed by the squad’s other loosehead prop options, Scott Sio and Tom Robertson, being forced to fly home from Johannesburg with niggling injuries.

Playing the Springboks at high-altitude Ellis Park early on Sunday morning (AEST) will be Slipper’s 87th Test but his first since December, 2016.

James Slipper is poised to return to the Wallabies. Picture: Mark Evans

Sio (adductor muscle) will rejoin the squad in Brisbane next week after further rehabilitation while Robertson’s ankle injury from training on Tuesday will need scans and keep him out for at least two Tests.

NSW prop Harry Johnson-Holmes is not yet up to the elite end of Test scrummaging but has been flown to Johannesburg as extra prop cover.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has trimmed his squad with six players in all heading home.

Outside back Jack Maddocks and flanker Rob Valetini have been released to play for their clubs this weekend which is also a pointer that sharp Brumbies fullback Tom Banks will be rewarded for his form with a spot in the Test match 23.

Speedster Tom Banks looks set to win a Test cap in Johannesburg. Picture: AAP Image/Rohan Thomson

Flyhalf Christian Lealiifano (shoulder) had been carrying a shoulder niggle since the latter stages of Super Rugby and he will likely get his chance against Argentina at Suncorp Stadium on July 27 after some more rehabilitation in Canberra.

It was hoped that Lealiifano would be right to face the Boks but his form has been so good that it is better he be fully fit a week later.

Winger Marika Koroibete will also fly home to Melbourne to be with his family after the birth of his second child and will rejoin the Wallabies squad in Brisbane.

Marika Koroibete will return to Australia to be with his family. Picture: Rugby AU Media/Stuart Walmsley

The rejuvenation of Slipper, 30, since moving to the Brumbies this season has been uplifting after he was asked to leave the Queensland Reds last season.

Slipper revealed he had been “suffering wellness issues including depression for a year” after the rugby community was stunned by the bombshell he had twice tested positive for cocaine in out of competition tests early last year.

Slipper’s two-month ineligibility that followed took into account “very significant personal issues”, according to Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle.

James Slipper (L) has lifted his game after joining the Brumbies. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Slipper has returned to his happy, upbeat self in Canberra and is fresh for this Test challenge after sharing loose-head duties with Sio at the Brumbies.

He has also lifted his game with a healthy body.

Halfback is another interesting selection point with England-based Nic White favoured for a start.

It would be a strong sign that the Wallabies are keen to see all he has to offer while Will Genia would certainly start at his favourite Suncorp Stadium against Argentina.