James Slipper, a seasoned Wallabies prop, recently shared his thoughts on James O’Connor’s crucial missed kicks during the Rugby Championship match against South Africa in Cape Town. While Slipper was recovering from a concussion back in Australia, O’Connor’s errors contributed to Australia’s 22-30 defeat. Despite this setback, Slipper remains optimistic about O’Connor’s future contributions.
“I haven’t really given him any advice on the late misses, I’m probably not the player to be doing that,” Slipper confessed. However, he praised O'Connor's integration into the team, emphasizing his vast experience and leadership as vital amidst the injuries plaguing the squad this season.
“We would have loved to have got those kicks, but knowing James, he’ll kick on from that for sure.”
Slipper isn’t the only veteran making a comeback; Allan Alaalatoa’s return from a shoulder injury is also boosting the Wallabies. Alaalatoa, celebrated for his try-scoring spree in the Super Rugby Pacific, brings more than just power to the team.
“He is a powerful player, a big man. You get a player that size close to the line, nine times out of 10, you will get him over the line.”
Slipper added, appreciating Alaalatoa’s consistent performances.Looking ahead, the Wallabies face a formidable challenge against Argentina in the sweltering heat of Townsville. Slipper acknowledged the strength of the Argentinian team, led by Julian Montoya, and stressed the importance of meticulous preparation to overcome their recent impressive performances, including victories over the All Blacks and reaching the World Cup semi-finals.
As for personal milestones, Slipper is on the brink of joining rugby legends with his caps tally but remains focused on the team's trajectory. “It’s obviously a possibility, but there are no guarantees to get there,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to the Wallabies’ progress over personal accolades.