Wallabies stalwart James Slipper will enter the record books on Saturday, becoming the first Australian to notch up 150 Test caps when he runs out against New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park.
The 36-year-old loosehead prop joins legends Sam Whitelock and Alun Wyn Jones as the only players to have reached the milestone. Slipper, who debuted in 2010 and has featured at four Rugby World Cups, continues his remarkable journey in gold.
He will pack down in the front row alongside Taniela Tupou, while Allan Alaalatoa makes his return via the bench after recovering from a shoulder injury suffered on the British & Irish Lions tour.
Head coach Joe Schmidt has also welcomed back lock Nick Frost, centre Len Ikitau, and winger Harry Potter from injury. Frost partners Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row, with Tom Hooper shifting to blindside flanker following Rob Valetini’s calf setback. Potter’s recall comes at the expense of Andrew Kellaway, who has a tight calf, handing youngster Max Jorgensen a first Bledisloe start at fullback.
In the halves, Tate McDermott will celebrate his 50th Test alongside James O’Connor, who has made a swift return from club duties in the UK. McDermott’s promotion opens the door for Ryan Lonergan to earn a long-awaited debut from the bench.
The reserves feature Jeremy Williams and Tane Edmed as impact options in a squad Schmidt believes is ready for the Eden Park challenge.
“The squad have worked away this week, fully aware of the challenge that awaits at Eden Park,” Schmidt said. “It’s a fitting occasion for James Slipper to reach the milestone of 150 Test matches and for Tate McDermott to represent the Wallabies for the 50th time.”
Australia:15. Max Jorgensen,14. Harry Potter,13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12. Len Ikitau,11. Corey Toole, 10. James O’Connor,9. Tate McDermott,8. Harry Wilson,7. Fraser McReight,6. Tom Hooper, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto,4. Nick Frost,3. Taniela Tupou,2. Billy Pollard,1.James Slipper RESERVES16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa,17. Angus Bell, 18. Allan Alaalatoa, 19. Jeremy Williams,20. Carlo Tizzano, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Tane Edmed,23. Filipo Daugunu
English