Wallabies prop James Slipper on verge of his own slice of history at Rugby World Cup
James Slipper is set to write himself into Australian rugby’s record books — and his timing could not be better.
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Proof that everyone deserves at least a second chance, veteran Wallabies prop James Slipper is on the verge of his own slice of history at the Rugby World Cup.
When he runs on the field against Fiji early Monday morning, the 34-year-old warhorse will join a select group of men to play at four World Cups.
Only two Australians have managed the feat — George Gregan and Adam Ashley-Cooper — but Slipper will be the first forward.
Capped 131 times, it’s been a bumpy ride for the versatile prop.
Six years ago, he was suspended after testing positive for cocaine.
More recently, he injured his foot, missing Australia’s opening World Cup match against Georgia.
He’s recovered now and will start at tighthead prop against Fiji.
His timing could not be better because the Wallabies have just lost Taniela Tupou to a hamstring injury and Jones said he couldn’t think of anyone better to come in for such a big game.
“He’s like having a coach on the field,” Jones said.
“It’s a remarkable achievement to play in four World Cups. He started off as a tight-head then volunteered to go to loose-head. He’s volunteering to go back to tight-head.
“It’s a real testament to his courage, resilience, to how much he loves the game and he loves playing for the Wallabies. We think he’ll play a pretty big game for us.”
Slipper is a rarity among props in that he can play on both sides of the scrum.
With Angus Bell having cemented the starting loosehead spot, Slipper’s versatility means he can start or finish the match in either position.
“It‘s super impressive,” Bell said.
“It‘s just something that not many people could do in the world.
“It‘s a very special trade but Slips is just as good at tighthead as he is at loosehead so we’re really excited this weekend.”
More than a decade younger than his teammate, Bell said Slipper had been acting as a mentor to him since he was in the junior ranks and deserves to be remembered as one of the all-time Wallaby greats.
“Slips is one of the legends of rugby and one of the best front-rowers Australia has ever had,” Bell said.
“To play alongside Slips but also have a long relationship with him too, Slips helped me a lot through school even before I became a professional.
“Slips is awesome and he’ll add a lot of value to the team this week on the other side of the scrum so it’ll be awesome for him and we’re looking forward to it because he brings a lot of edge to our defence and our maul and set-piece.”
Like Bell, Blake Schoupp is a loosehead prop playing at his first World Cup.
He is trying to learn as much as he can from Slipper, including any tips and tricks that could help him develop as a tighthead.
“He’s been massive, not only for me but for every front rower in Australia as well,” Schoupp said.
“He‘s a huge inspiration. Playing in four World Cups and the quality of player he is, we’re just lucky to have him in the squad still and me personally, growing up, he’s someone I idolised.
“To be able to rub shoulders with him everyday and go about his business is good enough for me. I don‘t pester him too much, I just watch what he does at training and try to take as much in as possible from him.
“I‘ve spoken to Slips about the possibility of long term upskilling as a front-rower and it’s definitely something I’ve thought about. What better way to do it than with him in the squad there at our disposal.”
Originally published as Wallabies prop James Slipper on verge of his own slice of history at Rugby World Cup
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