Captain Harry Wilson on Friday told Australia to send off “ultimate team man” James Slipper with a performance to be proud of in their must-win Rugby Championship Test against New Zealand.
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Slipper, the Wallabies’ most capped player, will play his 151st and final Test, ensuring there will be plenty of emotion during Saturday’s clash between the rivals at a sold-out 60 000 Perth Stadium.
Australia are aiming to rebound from a 33-24 defeat to the All Blacks last weekend, ending their hopes of regaining the Bledisloe Cup.
They still have a slim chance of winning a first Rugby Championship in a decade, but must beat New Zealand with a bonus point and hope Argentina upset South Africa in London.
‘Ultimate team man’
“He’s the ultimate team man and he’s going to be missed because we love him to death,” Wilson told reporters, with the 36-year-old Slipper having announced his retirement on Wednesday.
“He’s going to empty the tank one final time and that’s what he’s done 150 times for the Wallabies.
“To go out there one final time with Slippy, it’s going to be an honour, and we can’t wait to go out there and put a performance in for him to be proud of.”
Australia’s hopes of victory have been boosted by the inclusions of Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, adding heft to their forward pack.
Injury-ravaged New Zealand were dealt a late blow with lock Tupou Vaa’i ruled out after a knock to his right knee at training on Thursday.
He has been replaced in the starting side by Fabian Holland, with Patrick Tuipulotu providing cover off the bench.
Fired up
Australia will need to defy a long losing streak against the All Blacks if they are to send Slipper off on a winning note.
The Wallabies have suffered 10 straight defeats since their last win in November 2020, and another loss would set an unwanted record against the All Blacks.
“We’re just focusing on ourselves,” Wilson said, with Australia having previously lost 10 straight Tests against the All Blacks in 2008-10.
“We’ve had a good week of preparation. We were pretty close last weekend and know what we need to fix up.
“We have a lot of confidence coming into this weekend, playing back on our turf.”
The All Blacks trail South Africa by a point heading into the sixth and final round of the Rugby Championship.
After making six changes from last weekend’s side, they have had to rejig their line-up further after the late withdrawal of Vaa’i.
“He’d love to be out there but that’s the nature of our game,” said All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett, who returns after missing the opener with a shoulder injury.
“Back the next man in, Fabian (Holland), and he’s had a great season for us.
“He’s got a good engine and his work rate around the park is excellent.”
Barrett anticipated a fired-up Wallabies as the All Blacks aim to spoil Slipper’s swansong.
“They have a lot to play for with their last game at home, Slipper’s last Test and there might be coaches leaving as well,” he said.
“We’ve touched on that this week and we’ve prepared accordingly.”
TEAMS
Australia
15 Max Jorgensen, 14 Harry Potter, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Rob Valetini, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 James O’Connor, 23 Josh Flook
New Zealand
15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 George Bower, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Rieko Ioane, 23 Ruben Love
Date: Saturday, 4 October
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 11:45 (SA time)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Morné Ferreira (South Africa)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)
