A Wallabies veteran will hit a new landmark this weekend when he becomes the first Australian to play 200 Super Rugby games.
ACT Brumbies prop James Slipper will enter rarefied air on Sunday when he takes the field in Christchurch against the Crusaders.
It will also bring the 36-year-old one step closer to the all-time appearance record of 202 which is held by retired All Blacks great Wyatt Crockett.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said Slipper is in some of his best form ever.
“He’s a great person, first and foremost, off the field. He’s very dedicated and passionate about rugby and the Brumbies,” Larkham said of Slipper in announcing his team.
“Every time he speaks, whether it’s in a huddle or in a team meeting space, everyone listens and takes the advice on board and then he backs that up with consistent performance.
“He’s still playing as good as he’s ever played in his career and still loving his rugby, it’s a pleasure to coach him and the boys love being around him.”
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Slipper made his Super Rugby debut for the Queensland Reds in 2010, before moving to the Brumbies nine years later.
He played his 151st and final Wallabies Test last year after announcing his retirement from the international game, resisting the temptation of pushing on to a World Cup on home soil in 2027.
The Brumbies are coming off a 56-24 thrashing of the Western Force to open their season last weekend in Perth, while the Crusaders were narrowly defeated 25-23 by the Highlanders.
But the Canberra-based side face a huge hurdle in Christchurch where they last tasted victory in 2000, with the Crusaders winning their previous 12 against them at the ground.
“The season is underway and we are confident, but we remain focused on improving and taking our performance to the next level,” Larkham said.
– AFP
Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
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