James Slipper to reach historic mark as returning stars, debutant named for opening Bledisloe

Thu, Sep 25, 2025, 3:30 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies host the All Blacks in Round 5 of The Rugby Championship in an afternoon Test at Accor Stadium.

Wallabies prop James Slipper will create history as the first Australian to reach 150 caps in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener in Auckland.

Slipper has been named to start at loosehead prop against the All Blacks, joining Sam Whitelock and Alun Wyn Jones as the only others to reach the special milestone.

Watch the Wallabies tackle the All Blacks live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

It continues the Queenslander's remarkable journey in the gold jersey, having debuted for Australia in 2010 and represented the country at four World Cups.

The 36-year-old is joined in the front-row by Taniela Tupou, with Brumbies leader Allan Alaalatoa featuring for the first time since the British & Irish Lions tour as a result of a shoulder injury via the bench.

Alaalatoa is one of several returning faces from injury for the Eden Park clash, with lock Nick Frost, winger Harry Potter and centre Len Ikitau returning to the starting side.

Frost partners Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second-row, with Tom Hooper shifting to blindside flanker after Rob Valetini's calf injury.

As for Potter, his return is timely after Andrew Kellaway was ruled out with a tight calf, allowing Max Jorgensen to start at fullback for his first Bledisloe Test.

Meanwhile, Tate McDermott will start alongside James O'Connor in the halves in his 50th Test, with the Leicester signing making the mad dash back from the UK.

McDermott's elevation paves the way for Ryan Lonergan to make his debut after several years toiling away in wider squads.

The replacements are stacked with explosive talent, with Jeremy Williams and Tane Edmed shifting back into finisher roles.

“The squad have worked away this week, fully aware of the challenge that awaits at Eden Park," coach Joe Schmidt said in a statement.

“It’s a fitting occasion for James Slipper to reach the milestone of 150 test matches and for Tate McDermott to represent the Wallabies for the 50th time.”

Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday September 27 at 3:05pm AEST

1 James Slipper (149 Tests) - #843; Bond Pirates

2. Billy Pollard (14 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club

3. Taniela Tupou (63 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby

4. Nick Frost (32 Tests) - #953; Hornsby Lions

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (42 Tests) - #914; Randwick

6. Tom Hooper (17 Tests) - #964; Bathurst Bulldogs

7. Fraser McReight (33 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies

8 Harry Wilson (c) (29 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Tate McDermott (49 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club

10. James O’Connor (68 Tests) - #832, St Joseph’s College, Nudgee

11. Corey Toole (3 Tests) - #992, Wagga Crows

12. Len Ikitau (46 Tests) - #944, Tuggeranong Vikings

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (12 Tests) – #988; The Kings School

14. Harry Potter (5 Tests) - #989, Moorabbin Rams

15. Max Jorgensen (15 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves

Substitutes

16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (24 Tests) - #918, Southern Districts

17. Angus Bell (43 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club

18. Allan Alaalatoa (83 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors

19. Jeremy Williams (18 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers

20. Carlo Tizzano (10 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia

21. Ryan Lonergan* - uncapped; Tuggeranong Vikings

22. Tane Edmed (3 Tests) - #990; West Harbour Juniors

23. Filipo Daugunu (13 Tests) - #931, Wests Bulldogs

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