James Slipper’s highly anticipated 203rd Super Rugby match, which would set a new record, has been postponed by an additional week, as he was not included in the ACT Brumbies’ roster for their upcoming game against Fijian Drua, despite the Brumbies leading the league standings.
The seasoned Australian front-rower, aged 36, currently shares the all-time record of 202 appearances with Wyatt Crockett, the former All Blacks legend. He is now expected to surpass this significant career achievement when playing on his home turf next week.
Head coach Stephen Larkham clarified that Slipper’s absence was not due to injury; rather, he was being given a rest ahead of the team’s Round 5 journey to Fiji this Saturday.
“Our priority is to prevent player exhaustion,” he stated, as he revealed nine alterations to the lineup that suffered its initial defeat of the season last week, a 34-31 loss against the Queensland Reds.
“He has participated in every match so far, and the team has already undertaken extensive travel,” Larkham explained.
“This particular journey is quite challenging, especially considering the physical demands on larger and more experienced athletes; it’s essential to maintain their optimal condition throughout the entire season,” he added.
Although Slipper will be absent, his national teammate Rob Valetini, who boasts Fijian ancestry, is set to achieve a personal milestone by playing in his 100th game.
However, he will not get the chance to compete against his brother Kemu, who was not included in Drua’s 23-man squad for the game.
Lington Ieli, a prop originating from Fiji, is slated to make his first appearance for the Brumbies, lining up in the front row alongside seasoned hooker Billy Pollard and Darcy Breen.
Nick Frost, another Wallaby, will receive his initial playing opportunity of the current year, and Australian winger Corey Toole is back in action after being sidelined last week’s loss due to a leg issue.
“We gained considerable insights from the previous week’s performance,” Larkham commented, adding, “Occasionally, a defeat can be more instructive than a victory.”
“The unpredictable nature of that match provided our team with valuable lessons on how to adjust and surmount difficulties encountered during gameplay,” he explained.
“This coming week offers a fresh chance for development and to rigorously challenge ourselves again in Fiji,” Larkham concluded.
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