In 2018, George Gregan was the only Australian to represent the Wallabies four times at rugby\u2019s centrepiece tournament.<\/p>\n
That same year, if you\u2019d told James Slipper he would go to another two World Cups, he\u2019d have thought you were mad.<\/p>\n
The well-liked prop was in a dark place. His mother\u2019s cancer diagnosis sent him into a downward spiral that ended with a ban for taking an illicit substance.<\/p>\n
With 86 appearances for his country, including a World Cup final, Slipper was proud of what he\u2019d achieved and no one would have begrudged the Queenslander for throwing in the towel.<\/p>\n
Some thought he had.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
James Slipper ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France. <\/span>Credit: <\/span>Getty<\/cite><\/p>\n On Sunday (Monday, 1.45am, AEST), another chapter will be added to the remarkable James Slipper story when the 34-year-old runs out for the Wallabies and becomes just the third man to play at four Rugby World Cups, following Adam Ashley-Cooper\u2019s entry to the illustrious club in 2019.<\/p>\n Who better to ask than Gregan and Ashley-Cooper about the indelible mark Slipper will leave on Australian rugby when he eventually does hang up the boots.<\/p>\n Maybe the trio could organise a long lunch every four years to trade a few World Cup yarns?<\/p>\n \u201cAt this stage, it won\u2019t be a big table, but I\u2019d certainly welcome a lunch because it\u2019s always nice to be amongst the company of people that have achieved similar milestones from different eras,\u201d Ashley-Cooper said. \u201cIt\u2019s pretty amazing, to be fair, for a big unit. It\u2019s a huge achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n James Slipper at the (from left) 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Getty<\/cite><\/p>\n Gregan can\u2019t speak highly enough of Slipper, who also donned a gold jersey at the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an amazing achievement; he\u2019s a special Wallaby player,\u201d Gregan said.<\/p>\n \u201cYou always knew there was something pretty special about him in terms of his work rate and how he could play the full 80 minutes<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s just been very consistent. I think that\u2019s a big part of his longevity. I\u2019ve known Slips for a number of years … and he\u2019s always been the same. He\u2019s really welcoming \u2013 \u2018Great to see you George\u2019, shakes your hand and wants to chat. He wants to know more about the person on the other side of the conversation. That rubs off on people.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a real caring person who everyone wants to have in your team. Slips is a winner.\u201d<\/p>\n There are some similarities between the trio of decorated players.<\/p>\n All have played for the Brumbies, made their debuts for their country at 21 years of age, played under Eddie Jones at international level and have run out in a World Cup final.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure what his back thinks about four World Cups,\u201d Ashley-Cooper said with a laugh. \u201cI couldn\u2019t be happier for the bloke. There is no one better in the game, off the back of his journey, that deserves it more.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s the Gold Coast ironman. I enjoyed playing with him, enjoyed spending time with him and having a beer with him. I don\u2019t think there\u2019s a bloke out there who wouldn\u2019t say the same.<\/p>\n Michael Hooper and James Slipper.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Getty<\/cite><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a great story, particularly for the ones close to him who went through those hardships.\u201d<\/p>\n This weekend\u2019s match against Fiji will be Slipper\u2019s 132nd outing in a gold jersey. He returns to the side after missing Wallabies\u2019 opener against Georgia due to a foot injury.<\/p>\n In a match-day program interview earlier this year, Slipper was asked about the possibility of breaking Gregan\u2019s record of 139 Tests as a Wallaby.<\/p>\n \u201cA little bit inside me doesn\u2019t want to knock him off because it\u2019s George Gregan. He\u2019s an iconic Wallaby,\u201d Slipper said.<\/p>\n When told of those remarks, Gregan said it typified Slipper\u2019s character.<\/p>\n The 1999 World Cup winner doesn\u2019t expect to have that record forever, given Slipper, who recently became a father, has re-signed with the Brumbies and Australian rugby until 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s just Slips,\u201d Gregan said. \u201cRecords are there to be broken and I couldn\u2019t think of a better person than Slips going past [my record].<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s evolved his game. You don\u2019t play more than 100 Tests if you don\u2019t evolve your game. I wish him all the best. If he doesn\u2019t get it this year, if he stays fit and healthy, he\u2019ll go past it. I couldn\u2019t think of a better Wallaby to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n There is a strong chance this will be Slipper\u2019s last World Cup. He will want to make the most of every carry and every scrum in France.<\/p>\n Adam Ashley-Cooper in action for the Wallabies at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. <\/span>Credit: <\/span>AP<\/cite><\/p>\n \u201c[In a fourth World Cup] you treat it like every game matters,\u201d Gregan said. \u201cThat was my feeling going into my last World Cup, going into 2007. You want to do everything you can to contribute to the team\u2019s performance on that stage. There\u2019s also that finality, knowing it\u2019s going to be your last World Cup, so you want to put everything into it.\u201d<\/p>\n There are few bigger fans of Slipper than coach Eddie Jones, who loves the prop\u2019s versatility and tenacity.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a remarkable achievement to play in four World Cups,\u201d Jones said this week. \u201cHe started off as a tight-head then volunteered to go to loose-head. He\u2019s volunteering to go back to tight-head this week.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a real testament to his courage, resilience, to how much he loves the game and he loves playing for the Wallabies. We think on Sunday he\u2019ll play a pretty big game for us.\u201d<\/p>\n Ashley-Cooper will be watching the Wallabies from home in Sydney, hoping his great mate Slips helps Australia get over the line.<\/p>\n \u201cNo doubt nowadays Slips is warming up for the warm-up,\u201d Ashley-Cooper said with a laugh.<\/p>\n It\u2019s been quite a journey, and it\u2019s not over yet.<\/p>\n Watch all the action from <\/b>Rugby World Cup 2023<\/b> on the Home of Rugby, Stan Sport. Every match streaming ad-free, live and in 4K UHD with replays, mini matches and highlights available on demand.<\/b><\/p>\n Sports news, results and expert commentary. <\/i><\/b>Sign up for our Sport newsletter<\/i><\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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