Prop James Slipper feels sympathy for dropped colleague Benn Robinson but has no doubt he is ready to start against the All Blacks.
The dumping of 59-Test front rower Robinson from the 30-man squad was the big surprise when it was trimmed from 40 last week.
“He’s a very experienced prop, he’s one of the best looseheads going around,” Slipper said of Robinson.
“It was a big shock and I did feel sorry for him.
“But he’s the type of player that will bounce back I’m sure and come back bigger and stronger and really put his hand up again.
“I’m sure that’s not the last we’ve seen of Benn Robinson.”
With the Waratahs man out of favour, 24-year-old Queenslander Slipper has emerged as a strong contender for a starting spot against New Zealand in Sydney on Saturday.
Slipper has started just nine of the 37 Tests he has played, making his first 12 and most recent seven appearances off the bench.
“I’ve started most of my games for the Reds, so starting is not really a big issue for me,” Slipper said.
“I’m pretty used to it and coming off the bench. I’ve always enjoyed coming off the bench and putting in a good hard 20 minutes.
“Everyone who plays for Australia wants to play in the starting team.
“Never once did I set out to be a bench player.
“In the past I guess I have had that role, and I’ve been happy for it.
“I’ve learnt off some of the best players in Australia growing up through the Wallabies system and the Reds system.
“So definitely if I get the chance (to start) this week it would be an honour and I’d really like to put in a good performance and really bed down a spot.”
Slipper has played primarily on the tighthead side under McKenzie at Queensland while previous Wallabies’ coach Robbie Deans used him chiefly at loosehead.
“I’ve always been the type of player that given that opportunity in the team I don’t really care what I play as long as I’m in there and I’m having fun and put my hand up for the team,” Slipper said.
“I really do enjoy loosehead, I’ve played most of my Wallaby career there.
“I do find it a tad easier.”
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