James Slipper set to break George Gregan’s record as Wallabies halves axed for Bledisloe Cup
Many thought George Gregan’s record as most capped Wallaby would never be broken. The most unlikely player will surpass him in the Bledisloe Cup as coach Joe Schmidt swings the axe.
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James Slipper is set to become the most capped Wallaby of all time in the Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks on Saturday.
The veteran prop is set to be named on the bench for his 140th international, surpassing legend George Gregan to sit atop the most capped Australian in rugby history.
It is a remarkable feat for the 35-year-old, who bounced back from a two-month ban for testing positive to cocaine in 2018 to become one of the most respected figures in the game.
Slipper was axed by the Queensland Reds over the incident, but joined the Brumbies soon after and became a leader and role model.
He is now in his 14th year as a Wallaby, has played both sides of the scrum, captained the nation, and mentored a new generation of props.
Slipper made his Super Rugby and Wallabies debuts in 2010, and a fortnight ago equalled Gregan’s record of 139 Tests when he came off the bench against Argentina.
Should he take the field at Accor Stadium against the All Blacks, Slipper will be on his own as the sixth most capped Test rugby player of all time, behind Alun Wyn Jones (171), Sam Whitelock (153), Richie McCaw (148), Sergio Parisse (142) and Brian O’Driscoll (141).
He could go level with Irish icon O’Driscoll if he plays in the second Bledisloe in Wellington the following weekend.
Slipper’s inclusion on the bench will give the Wallabies added motivation to end their 22-year Bledisloe drought, with the All Blacks having held the trophy since 2003.
Following their record 67-27 loss to Argentina in their previous game, it’s understood coach Joe Schmidt has overhauled his halves, dropping Jake Gordon and Ben Donaldson from the squad.
Nic White and Noah Lolesio are set to form the starting halves pairing, with Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh coming off the bench.
Openside flanker Fraser McReight returns from injury to take his place in the No.7 jersey, with impressive young performer Carlo Tizzano also dropped from the squad.
Hard-running centre Hunter Paisami has also recovered from injury and is set to partner Len Ikitau in the centres. Tom Wright is set to start at fullback, and Andrew Kellaway return to the wing, with rookie winger Max Jorgensen falling ill this week and not considered for selection.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Brandon Paenga-Amosa will add experience to the Wallabies’ bench alongside Slipper.
Most Wallabies fans don’t hold much hope of the team overturning the Bledisloe curse, after they conceded 50 points in the second half of their defeat to the Pumas in Sante Fe, but the All Blacks have vowed not to overlook the home team.
“They’re a much-improved team, and we won’t be buying into any of that second half because they’re much better than that,” All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown said.
“This group knows Joe Schmidt very well; he’s an incredible coach, and he’s the right man for the job at the helm of the Wallabies.
“You can see some of his coaching styles implemented into the Wallaby system. And knowing him, he works hard, and we know how much he’ll be up for the game.
“He drives the grey areas of the game and in Test footy that can be the difference. There are such small margins and he understands that.”
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Originally published as James Slipper set to break George Gregan’s record as Wallabies halves axed for Bledisloe Cup
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