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Reds captain and prop James Slipper has been named captain of the Wallabies for their match against the USA in Chicago.
Slipper has played 68 Test matches, and at just 26 years of age captained the Reds this year.
He has been a crucial member of a resurgent Wallabies’ scrum in the four Test matches played so far this year.
Slipper said he was humbled to be named to lead his country.
“I am extremely humbled to be given this opportunity to Captain the team on Saturday night at Soldier Field. There is no greater honour for a player than to lead his country and I am excited to be able to do it with this incredible group of players,” said Slipper.
“Stephen (Moore) has done a fantastic job in bringing this group together, and I will do my best to honour him and my country when we take on the Eagles, who were very impressive against Harlequins over the weekend.
“We’ve always looked at things this season as a collective, with players being able to step up at different stages. That also applies to leadership, and we have a lot of solid leaders in the squad, which is essential in a year like this one.
“This Saturday is a really important match for us as a group, especially with a couple of boys making their debuts. We want to put in a performance that shows how hard we’ve been working over the past few months before we head over to the UK.”
Michael Cheika said Slipper earned the honour.
“James led well at Queensland this season, and is an important leader in our squad. This Test match against the USA will give him the honour of captaining his country and the opportunity to lead from the front.”
“We are working hard to develop our leaders and James along with Matt Giteau and Ben McCalman, who lead by example both on and off the field, will make up a strong leadership team.
Slipper takes over from the rested captain and vice captains Stephen Moore, Michael Hooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Ben McCalman will be vice captain and start at blindside flanker, alongside inside centre Matt Giteau.
It is a largely second string team, with Tatafu Polota-Nau starting in Moore’s place at hooker, Sean McMahon earning is first Test cap of the year at openside flanker, and Wycliff Palu continuing at number 8.
Slipper will partner Greg Holmes in the front row, while Rob Horne, Henry Speight and Joe Tomane all return to the starting lineup.
Interestingly, Taqele Naiyaravoro could make his debut this weekend, which would render him ineligible to represent any other nation. So watch out for that!
Full Wallabies team to play USA
1. James Slipper – C – (67 Tests)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (53 Tests)
3. Greg Holmes (17 Tests)
4. Kane Douglas (15 Tests)
5. Rob Simmons (52 Tests)
6. Ben McCalman – VC – (40 Tests)
7. Sean McMahon (3 Tests)
8. Wycliff Palu (55 Tests)
9. Nick Phipps (31 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (17 Tests)
11. Rob Horne (26 Tests)
12. Matt Giteau – VC – (95 Tests)
13. Henry Speight (3 Tests)
14. Joe Tomane (15 Tests)
15. Kurtley Beale (52 Tests)
16. James Hanson (9 Tests)
17. Scott Sio (9 Tests)
18. Toby Smith (uncapped)
19. Dean Mumm (36 Tests)
20. Sam Carter (11 Tests)
21. Quade Cooper (56 Tests)
22. Will Genia (59 Tests)
23. Taqele Naiyaravoro (Uncapped)
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.