Slipper says Wallabies will break the Eden Park hoodoo. But he won’t be there

1 week ago 4

James Slipper believes this group of Wallabies will finally break the Eden Park hoodoo, but the most capped Australian won’t do it with them after confirming his intention to retire from Test rugby as early as next weekend.

Slipper chalked up his 150th Test in Auckland on Saturday, becoming the first Australian to reach the mark and only the third man ever, along with Sam Whitelock and Alun Wyn-Jones.

The milestone party was spoiled by another All Blacks victory at Eden Park, where the Wallabies last beat New Zealand in 1986. Since that last win, 156 Wallabies players have tried and failed to get the job done against the All Blacks at the Auckland venue. By virtue of his 16-year career, Slipper also holds the unwanted record for most Test defeats there (10).

But the 36-year-old, and the Wallabies, came close to finally ending the drought – and winning in New Zealand for the first time since 2001 – on Saturday, rallying from a slow start to trail by two points in the last 10 minutes.

In the end, the Kiwis made Australia pay the price for a slow start, unforced errors, and a lack of discipline, scoring late to continue a 52-game unbeaten streak at Eden Park and retain the Bledisloe Cup.

“I was just proud of the way we dug back in before half-time. It just felt like we never got a lot of momentum,” Slipper said. “Whenever we made a break or started putting on pressure, we either got penalised or turned over. It was frustrating, but [I am] happy with the fight.”

James Slipper with wife Kara and daughter Lily after the Wallabies’ loss at Eden Park.

Though he is playing with the Brumbies next year, Slipper said he won’t continue in international rugby in 2026. The exact location for his farewell Test is still unclear; it will either be on the spring tour or potentially as early as the second clash with New Zealand in Perth on Saturday.

“It comes down to what’s best for the team. That’s probably what’s going to make my decision. I’ve got a faint idea of what I want to do, but it’s more in terms of what the team needs going into the spring tour,” Slipper said.

“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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