Wallabee prop James slippers have been waiting for “long, long time,” but finally have the opportunity to erase the massive disappointment he felt in his final test against the Lions in England and Ireland.
Slippers and recalled playmaker James O’Connor will join Franker George Smith, the only Australian in the modern era to perform in two series.
South Africa’s Mornstein is the only other player to achieve the feat.
The trio was part of the 2013 campaign, with tourists winning Game 1, 23-21 in Brisbane, and the Wallabies were then levelled with a gritty 16-15 victory in Melbourne.
The slippers came out of the bench in their third decision test at Sydney, but they recorded a 41-16 victory, making the rampant Lions hardly able to stop the onslaught by scoring four tries.
It still remains as the most points the Lions team has ever scored in a Test match.
The memory of that match still ranks the 36-year-old slippers, keeping a record of most Tests in which the Australian has made 144 appearances.
“We’re in a winning position in both Brisbane and Melbourne, but we beat it a lot in Sydney in that decisive game,” Slipper said.
“That’s probably what makes it really difficult. The last game and 12 years of performance are long.”
The slippers said they didn’t realize the enormous opportunity and the privilege of playing, giving some of Australia’s best players, including Tim Horan, Sterling Mortlock, Phil Kerns and David Pocock.
“Looking back, you realize how big an opportunity it is,” the Brunbys actor said.
“Individually, I’ve probably made it a bit naive to that series about how big it is, so many people don’t do it, so I can have another moment. George (Smith) was there last time.
Director Joe Schmidt said the slippers have continued to improve 15 years since they made their Test debut.
“His longevity is very incredible in the game, and part of what makes the slip a little more special is that he is constantly challenging himself to get better,” Schmidt said.
“He doesn’t believe he’s still at the best version of himself despite a lot of tests.
“So he’ll keep working really hard. That’s the expectations he has for himself, and the good thing about slippers is that he has the same expectations for his teammates.”
Slippers were pleased to see O’Connor return to Wallabies for the first time since 2022.
O’Connor started at 10am on all three tests in 2013.
The slippers joked.
“It’s great to see. He had a great year with the Crusades and is almost happy that someone else is here who’s done it before,” he said.
“I’ve always defended the introduction of older players, so I have some friends to hang out. Getting him back is a good thing.”
The front row stock was further strengthened by including the giant Taniera Tupo, whom he thought would miss a choice after a penalty-filled performance with Waratah against the Lions.
“He’s going to be a big blowjob,” the slippers said of the tupou.
“Nella had his challenge and he came out and made his voice all year round, but I think everyone here knows how important it is to our team.
“And you know, fire the fit, and Nera will only be good for us.”