5 December, 2025, 5:44 pm Central - 27°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

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