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ESPN staff
Former Test prop James Slipper will make his return from a drug suspension as part of a Super Rugby selection XV that will take give the Wallabies a pre-Bledisloe hitout in Sydney on Friday night.
Slipper was named alongside fellow Super Rugby veterans Tom English and Angus Cottrell, John Manenti’s team also featuring players on the fringe of Test selection in Matt Philip and Anaru Rangi. Rebels back-rower Richard Hardwick and Brumbies lock Blake Enever join Slipper and Philip as the other capped Wallabies in the selection squad.
But it’s the former Reds captain’s inclusion that will be of most interest; the 29-year-old Queenslander set to play his first game since he tested positive to cocaine for a second time back in May, incurring an automatic two-match suspension and $(Aus)27,500 fine.
It has since been revealed that Slipper was battling depression brought on by a season-ending injury in 2017 and the terminal illness of an immediate family member. But he looks to be heading in the right direction, as he fights to save his professional career.
“James’ enthusiasm has really impressed me since we invited him to join,” Manenti said. “He’s keen to be back out there and training hard but also really wants to get his old Wallabies teammates firing ahead of that first Bledisloe. That just shows the character of the bloke.”
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika hopes the trial, to be played at Leichhardt Oval, will aid his side’s preparation for the August 18 Bledisloe opener after they were blown off the paddock by the All Blacks before halftime in both 2016 and 2017.
Waratahs players will not feature in Cheika’s Wallabies XV but indications are otherwise that the coach will pick a strong a line-up as possible with particular interest as to who starts at No.13. With Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani out injured, the Wallabies are looking for a replacement at outside centre.
For Manenti’s squad, Friday’s game offers players such as Hardwick, Rangi and Enever the chance to remind Cheika of their worth ahead of 11-Test calendar to round out 2018.
“We’ll have some fun this week but make no mistake, we will prepare as best we can to give Cheik’s side a real shake on Friday night,” Manenti said.
“I know how important this game could prove to be ahead of the Bledisloe Cup so we need to play with real accuracy and plenty of intensity straight from the kick-off.
“I have to thank the Super Rugby coaches and club rugby coaches across Australia for being so accommodating in letting us borrow their players for what’s set to be a special night in Sydney.”
Entry is free for Friday night’s game with kick-off set for 6.45pm (AEST).
Super Rugby selections squad:
Semisi Tupou, Pama Fou, Tom English, Duncan Paia’aua, Filipo Daugunu, Andrew Deegan, Moses Sorovi; Pat Sio, Pat Sio, Richard Hardwick, Angus Cottrell, Matt Philip, Blake Enever, Sam Talakai, Anaru Rangi, James Slipper.
Reserves: Hugh Roach, Fereti Sa’aga, Mees Erasmus, Angus Blyth, Tevin Ferris, Mick Snowden, Sam Lane, Fabian Goodall.