Wallabies legend to retire from Test rugby, believes team can break Eden Park hoodoo

“At this stage, this will be the last year I’ll be playing.”

Slipper said his body is still feeling good, but after 15 years on the road, and with a family in Canberra, it’s time to unpack the suitcase once and for all. The 2027 World Cup in Australia was “way too far away” to hang on for.

The agonising part of hanging up the Test boots may turn out to be sooner than that, and based around the fact Slipper believes the current Wallabies will go on to beat the All Blacks at Eden Park.

“It’s fair to say that’s probably my last chance at winning at Eden Park, for the Wallabies in that case,” Slipper said.

“I do think this group is definitely a group that can do it. I think the improvement we’ve seen in this group over the last 18 months has been really positive for our group and for rugby in Australia. I think we’re trending in the right way. We’re just probably not getting as many results as we want and consistent results.

“In terms of the base of the game and what we want to see, we’re seeing. That’s probably what’s pleasing the most. We’re going into the game really confident that we’ve definitely got the ability, but how do we execute on the night? That’s probably our biggest thing.”

After all the struggle, would it be slightly disappointing to be watching a Wallaby win at Eden Park from home? “Nah, I’ll cheer, no matter where I am.”

Slipper said found being in the spotlight for milestone games “a little bit awkward” but had treasured the fuss made by his teammates and family around his 150th cap.

“Hugely humbled and proud. The boys got around it during the week, and the fact that no one’s done it before in Australia made it a little bit more special, for lack of a better word,” he said.

“I had a video message from both Sam Whitelock and Alun Wyn-Jones. They’re the two players that have played over 150 games. That was really special. Lots of family and friends.

“Video message from back home, my daughters. It was a bit personal. It was a really good touch. It wasn’t over the top this week, which is nice. I’ve had worse weeks, put it that way.”

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