Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
1 April, 2026, 4:59 pm
Central - 28°C Clouds
1 April, 2026, 4:59 pm Central - 28°C Clouds

Wallaby James Slipper to reach 150 caps and James O’Connor to start at No.10

Wallaby James Slipper to reach 150 caps and James O’Connor to start at No.10

By Alipate Narawa
25/09/2025
Wallabies prop James Slipper and James O'Connor

Wallabies prop James Slipper will create history as the first Australian to reach 150 caps in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener in Auckland.

Slipper has been named to start at loosehead prop against the All Blacks, joining Sam Whitelock and Alun Wyn Jones as the only others to reach the special milestone.

It continues the Queenslander's remarkable journey in the gold jersey, having debuted for Australia in 2010 and represented the country at four World Cups.

The 36-year-old is joined in the front-row by Taniela Tupou, with Brumbies leader Allan Alaalatoa.

Alaalatoa is one of several returning faces from injury for the Eden Park clash, with lock Nick Frost, winger Harry Potter and centre Len Ikitau returning to the starting side.

Frost partners Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second-row, with Tom Hooper shifting to blindside flanker after Rob Valetini's calf injury.

As for Potter, his return is timely after Andrew Kellaway was ruled out with a tight calf, allowing Max Jorgensen to start at fullback for his first Bledisloe Test.

Meanwhile, Tate McDermott will start alongside James O'Connor in the halves in his 50th Test, with the Leicester signing making the mad dash back from the UK.

McDermott's elevation paves the way for Ryan Lonergan to make his debut after several years toiling away in wider squads.

The replacements are stacked with explosive talent, with Jeremy Williams and Tane Edmed shifting back into finisher roles.

Wallabies coach, Joe Schmidt says 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.

The Wallabies take on the All Blacks at 5.05pm Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Springboks host Los Pumas at 3.05am Sunday in Durban.

Wallabies Squad 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, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. James O’Connor, 11. Corey Toole, 12. Len Ikitau, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Harry Potter, 15. Max Jorgensen.

Substitutes 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.

Source: rugby.com.au

553083065-1222933306537197-4314132944434624501-n

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Govt working on targeted support after fuel price increase
The Government says it is actively working on measures to help cushion the impact of the fuel price increase through targeted financial and policy r...
8 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Prof Prasad raises concern over delayed cane payment
National Federation Party Leader and former Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad is raising concerns over delayed cane payments, and is ...
42 minutes ago

Fiji flags to be at half-mast in honour of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
In honour of former President and Speaker of Parliament the late Na Turaga Mai Naisogalaca, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Fiji flag be flown at half-mast, ...
1 hour ago

40 Seaqaqa and Labasa cane farmers fear for livelihoods due non-renewal of leases
Natuvu, Seaqaqa cane farmer Girja Nand says he does not know how he will care for his son after losing the farm he has depended on all his life, ...
1 hour ago

National crisis caused by fuel price increases will not be short term, we need clear action plan - Prof. Prasad
We need to act decisively, communicate clearly, understand that the significant increase in fuel prices will have an impact across the board, there ...
4 hours ago

Rise in fuel prices to affect taxi operators, drivers, and the people - Shameem
Former Fiji Taxi Association Assistant General Secretary Mohammad Shameem says the rise in fuel prices is going to significantly affect taxi ...
5 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
26 days ago

National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
33 days ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
33 days ago

TOP