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Slipper to create slice of history against All Blacks
Justin Chadwick, AAP • September 25th, 2025 4:17 pm
Australia's James Slipper will play his 150th Test in the Bledisloe Cup opener in Auckland | Photo: Darren England/AAP
James Slipper will become the first Wallabies player to notch 150 Tests when the veteran prop lines up in Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup blockbuster against New Zealand in Auckland.
Having made his international debut as a 21-year-old in 2010, Slipper already holds the record as the most-capped prop in Test rugby history.
The 36-year-old will join Welshman Alun Wyn Jones and New Zealand's Sam Whitelock to become just the third player to reach the milestone of 150 Tests.
Slipper will line up alongside hooker Billy Pollard and tighthead prop Taniela Tupou in the run-on front row for Saturday's clash, which doubles as a Rugby Championship encounter.
Slipper will line up alongside hooker Billy Pollard and tighthead prop Taniela Tupou in the run-on front row for Saturday's clash, which doubles as a Rugby Championship encounter.
James O'Connor joined the Wallabies in Auckland ahead of the Bledisloe Cup opener | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/AAP
Prop Allan Alaalatoa has been named on the bench after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Scrumhalf Tate McDermott, who replaces the now-retired Nic White in the starting side, will bring up his 50-Test milestone.
Scrumhalf Tate McDermott, who replaces the now-retired Nic White in the starting side, will bring up his 50-Test milestone.
McDermott will partner James O'Connor in the halves.
O'Connor flew to England last week to link up with his new club Leicester, but flew back to link up with the Wallabies in New Zealand after being called up again by coach Joe Schmidt.
Canberra's Ryan Lonergan has been selected for a potential Test debut as the replacement scrumhalf, with Tane Edmed the reserve flyhalf.
Max Jorgensen has been named at fullback after Andrew Kellaway injured his calf at training.
Kellaway's injury comes on top of the Wallabies losing star fullback Tom Wright to an ACL in August.
Star back-rower Rob Valetini was ruled out of this week's clash with calf tightness.
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has earned his first start for the year, selected alongside Nick Frost in the run-on second row.
Winger Harry Potter also makes his return to the starting side.
All four teams in the Rugby Championship currently boast 2-2 records, but Australia sit on top after collecting three bonus points from their four games to date.
After facing the All Blacks in Auckland, the Wallabies host New Zealand in Perth next week.
Wallabies: 1. James Slipper 2. Billy Pollard 3. Taniela Tupou 4. Nick Frost 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto 6. Tom Hooper 7. Fraser McReight 8. Harry Wilson (c) 9. Tate McDermott 10. James O'Connor 11. Corey Toole 12. Len Ikitau 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 14. Harry Potter 15. Max Jorgensen
Wallabies: 1. James Slipper 2. Billy Pollard 3. Taniela Tupou 4. Nick Frost 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto 6. Tom Hooper 7. Fraser McReight 8. Harry Wilson (c) 9. Tate McDermott 10. James O'Connor 11. Corey Toole 12. Len Ikitau 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 14. Harry Potter 15. Max Jorgensen
Bench: 16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa 17. Angus Bell 18. Allan Alaalatoa 19. Jeremy Williams 20. Carlo Tizzano 21. Ryan Lonergan 22. Tane Edmed 23. Filipo Daugunu
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