Veteran prop James Slipper couldn’t be feeling better about life, rugby and a Wallabies second coming that he never saw coming.
Physically, Slipper’s finding his third Rugby World Cup more demanding than anything he’s experienced in a decade of Test service.
But that matters little for a man who had written off any chance of making it to Japan after testing positive to cocaine use for a second time in May last year.
Banned for two months, ejected by the Queensland Reds, dealing with family health issues and openly admitting to a battle with depression, rugby at any level seemed far-fetched for a man who had captained his country and the Reds.
It’s why there was no more popular scorer in Saturday’s win over Uruguay, when the 29-year-old bagged a maiden try in his 94th Test.
Teammates raced in from all sides to acknowledge a player who has turned his life around, through the most simple of philosophies.
“I’d say I have found the love for the game again,” Slipper said.
“There were personal things I did with my family and that, I think just becoming a better person helped with my footy. Just seeing life a bit differently, having a better perspective on what matters.”
While seeking help for his issues, Slipper found a new home in Canberra with the Brumbies.
His Super Rugby form this year left Wallabies coach Michael Cheika with no choice but to reinstate the accomplished loosehead after three years away from the international game.
“Last year was a tough year and the year before there were a few things in my life that weren’t going right,” Slipper said.
“A lot of that was external as well, things I can’t control and I went about it in the wrong way.
“I always bring it back, you just have to be a good person.
“Be a good bloke and be open.”
With a new lease on life, there’s nothing to suggest Slipper couldn’t make it to a fourth World Cup. Except, perhaps, for the physical demands.
“This one has been tough, it’s been hard, I am a bit older now,” he said.
“The training leading up took it out of me, but in terms of being here, yeah, I am really happy and I just want to contribute.”
jeznez
Roar Guru
Agree, I think Kepu and Sio should be playing off for the 17 shirt against Georgia.
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Onya Slips, classic prop try. Going to the Brumbies and the new environment looks to have worked well for him. I think his game is better than Sio's at the moment.
SandBox
Roar Guru
John Holmes-esque
Linny
Guest
Yeah....best LHP 50m solo effort I’ve seen in a good while, side stepped 2 defenders whilst pulling away from a chasing winger, to then throw a classic dummy against the fullback to score...absolute classic prop try. He will remember it that way forever.
jeznez
Roar Guru
30 metre? I'm pretty sure he got the ball on his side of halfway - it was Greg Holmes-esque!
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Life as a pro athlete must be challenging. Dealing with injury. Selection and off field issues MUST be tough. Champion players must be resilient. You could see the respect Slipper holds from players and coaches when he scored his 30 metre, sidestepping try. Reckon a 4th WC is a stretch because he'll be 34 and no doubt playing in Europe somewhere.
jeznez
Roar Guru
So happy to have seen Slips come back, he's always been such a hard worker in defence and this international season has been noticeable as one of the blokes busting a gut to provide a carry option for White when the halfback has picked the pace of the game up. He got a little high in the 7 man scrums against Uruguay but in general has been the pick of our looseheads. Fantastic that he finally got a 5 pointer, hope he holds the starting LH shirt from here on out.