Captain Harry Wilson has rallied the Wallabies to put on a show-stopping performance against the All Blacks as a fitting farewell for James Slipper, the "ultimate team man." This Saturday marks Slipper's 151st and final Test, promising a high-emotion showdown at the packed Perth Stadium. The Wallabies are hungry for redemption after last weekend's 33-24 defeat at Eden Park, which dashed their hopes of reclaiming the Bledisloe Cup. With the Rugby Championship still up for grabs, the stakes are sky-high as they face the battered All Blacks once more.
Slipper, who will be hanging up his boots post-match, has been a cornerstone of the Australian squad. "He’s going to empty the tank one final time and that’s what he's done 150 times for the Wallabies," Wilson shared.
"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."
The Wallabies' lineup is bolstered by the return of powerhouse players Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, adding much-needed muscle to their pack. Meanwhile, the All Blacks have been forced to shuffle their deck after lock Tupou Vaa’i was sidelined due to a training injury, bringing in Fabian Holland as a starter with Patrick Tuipulotu stepping in as backup.
Australia's recent record against New Zealand has been less than stellar, with 10 consecutive losses since their last victory in November 2020. Despite the daunting history, Wilson remains optimistic. "We’ve had a good week of preparation. We were pretty close last weekend and know what we need to fix up," he noted, emphasizing the team's resolve to turn the tables on their home turf.
Across the ditch, the All Blacks, trailing the Springboks by just a point in the Rugby Championship, are equally determined not to let the Wallabies have their way, especially on such a significant occasion. All Blacks captain Scott Barrett, back in action after a shoulder setback, acknowledged the charged atmosphere. "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."
As the teams gear up for this epic clash, the rugby world watches with bated breath, wondering if the Wallabies can defy the odds or if the All Blacks will once again assert their dominance, spoiling Slipper's final hurrah.
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Captain Harry Wilson has rallied the Wallabies to put on a show-stopping performance against the All Blacks as a fitting farewell for James Slipper, the "ultimate team man." This Saturday marks Slipper's 151st and final Test, promising a high-emotion showdown at the packed Perth Stadium. The Wallabies are hungry for redemption after last weekend's 33-24 defeat at Eden Park, which dashed their hopes of reclaiming the Bledisloe Cup. With the Rugby Championship still up for grabs, the stakes are sky-high as they face the battered All Blacks once more.
Slipper, who will be hanging up his boots post-match, has been a cornerstone of the Australian squad. "He’s going to empty the tank one final time and that’s what he's done 150 times for the Wallabies," Wilson shared.
"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."
The Wallabies' lineup is bolstered by the return of powerhouse players Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, adding much-needed muscle to their pack. Meanwhile, the All Blacks have been forced to shuffle their deck after lock Tupou Vaa’i was sidelined due to a training injury, bringing in Fabian Holland as a starter with Patrick Tuipulotu stepping in as backup.
Australia's recent record against New Zealand has been less than stellar, with 10 consecutive losses since their last victory in November 2020. Despite the daunting history, Wilson remains optimistic. "We’ve had a good week of preparation. We were pretty close last weekend and know what we need to fix up," he noted, emphasizing the team's resolve to turn the tables on their home turf.
Across the ditch, the All Blacks, trailing the Springboks by just a point in the Rugby Championship, are equally determined not to let the Wallabies have their way, especially on such a significant occasion. All Blacks captain Scott Barrett, back in action after a shoulder setback, acknowledged the charged atmosphere. "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."
As the teams gear up for this epic clash, the rugby world watches with bated breath, wondering if the Wallabies can defy the odds or if the All Blacks will once again assert their dominance, spoiling Slipper's final hurrah.