Wallabies prop James Slipper says momentum can give Australia element of surprise
Having found his way back to the Wallabies to break his 10 season Test try drought, James Slipper knows how hard work and belief can lead to unexpected outcomes, and that could be Australia’s best hope.
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Reborn prop James Slipper is relishing uncharted territory in both his personal life and the Wallabies’ push to find the momentum for history at the Rugby World Cup.
If a veteran can break a 10-season drought with his first Test try, the seemingly impossible is not so out of reach, right?
Slipper, 30, had grown a thick skin over playful digs at his lack of try-scoring prowess until his version of the moon landing created history with a plunge over the line against Uruguay.
It was a huge relief and a classic bonding moment enjoyed by his team but there is grander history in Slipper’s mind.
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“The biggest thing I’ve learnt in (three) World Cups is that momentum is big so when you start building it, anything can happen,” Slipper said after the 45-10 win in Oita started some last Saturday.
“That’s what we’re trying to do … get a bit and things go your way.
“No team’s won the World Cup with a loss so I guess there’s a bit of uncharted territory there.
“Momentum is a powerful thing and you’ve seen it in this World Cup. Anyone can win on the day with the teams quite close.”
Slipper and his packmates have done a strong job at the World Cup so far with prop Allan Alaalatoa a starting standout.
In the seven-try effort against Uruguay, backrower Jack Dempsey was excellent with his bustling, quick-footed runs while two-try centre Tevita Kuridrani boomed a message not to forget him.
A more complete team performance must now flow against Georgia in Shizuoka in the final pool game on Friday.
The dark days of early last year when he was bearing depression, a family crisis and a stand-down for two positive tests for cocaine made even reaching this World Cup a long shot for Slipper.
The Slipper smile and humour returned at the Brumbies this season and his whole manner is upbeat again.
“I said to my parents last week I couldn’t be happier where I am at considering where I’ve been,” Slipper said.
“I probably wasn’t thinking about the World Cup a year ago.”
Slipper was upfront that he had to make changes and be honest with himself.
“I’d say I’ve found the love for the game again and I just think becoming a better person and more open has helped me,” Slipper said.
“I’m seeing life differently, some personal things with my family, and having a different perspective on what matters.
“My parents are very proud and that makes it so much sweeter.”
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Slipper relived his try high and not for the last time we’re guessing.
“I read an article about (All Blacks prop) Owen Franks hitting 100 Tests without a try and that hit me for six because I wasn’t far off,” the 94-Test prop said.
“I spoke to Willy Genia before the game actually and said ‘if I call for it, give it to me.’
“A scrum kind of collapsed, I popped up (on the short side) and it was pure luck really.
“Willy reckons I owe him a beer for his pass and I’m happy with that. I just hope the floodgates open now the pressure is off.”
Originally published as Wallabies prop James Slipper says momentum can give Australia element of surprise