In a significant moment for Australian rugby, James Slipper expressed confidence that the current Wallabies squad can finally overcome the longstanding challenge of winning at Eden Park. Unfortunately, Slipper, who recently played his 150th Test match in Auckland, confirmed he will not be part of this breakthrough effort as he plans to retire from international rugby soon.
Slipper made history on Saturday by becoming the first Australian player to reach this milestone and only the third player globally to achieve it, alongside Sam Whitelock and Alun Wyn-Jones. Despite the personal achievement, his milestone celebration was overshadowed by yet another defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park, a venue where the Wallabies have not triumphed since 1986. Since that last victory, 156 players have donned the Wallabies jersey in attempts to conquer this challenge, with Slipper holding the record for the most Test losses there at 10.
The 36-year-old reflected on the match, acknowledging the team’s near success. The Wallabies, after a sluggish start, came within two points of the All Blacks in the final ten minutes but ultimately fell short. Slipper noted, “I was just proud of the way we dug back in before half-time. It just felt like we never got a lot of momentum.” He attributed the loss to unforced errors and a lack of discipline, which allowed New Zealand to score late and retain the Bledisloe Cup.
As he gears up for his final international outings, the exact date and location of Slipper’s farewell Test remain uncertain. It could take place during the upcoming spring tour or potentially during the next match against New Zealand in Perth on September 30, 2023. “It comes down to what’s best for the team,” he explained, emphasizing the need to consider the squad’s dynamics.
Despite his success, Slipper shared that the prospect of the 2027 World Cup in Australia feels too distant to justify continuing. He stated, “The agonizing part of hanging up the Test boots may turn out to be sooner than that.” He views the current team as capable of breaking the Eden Park streak, saying, “I do think this group is definitely a group that can do it.”
Slipper praised the improvements made by the Wallabies over the past 18 months, noting a positive trend in their performance. However, he acknowledged the need for more consistent results. “We’re going into the game really confident that we’ve definitely got the ability, but how do we execute on the night? That’s probably our biggest thing,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his impending retirement, Slipper displayed a sense of pride and humility regarding his achievements. He found the attention surrounding his milestone “a little bit awkward” but cherished the support from teammates and family. “Hugely humbled and proud,” he remarked about the acknowledgment he received. He also shared that receiving video messages from both Whitelock and Wyn-Jones added a special touch to his milestone week.
As Slipper contemplates his future, he remains optimistic about the Wallabies’ potential. When asked about the possibility of witnessing a victory against the All Blacks from home, he replied with enthusiasm, “Nah, I’ll cheer, no matter where I am.” This spirit of camaraderie and belief in the team reflects the legacy he hopes to leave behind in Australian rugby.
