Former Wallabies captain James Slipper admits his teammates are itching to get back into club rugby and put the ugly World Cup chapter behind them.
Australia’s five franchises play trial games on Saturday with Wallabies stars across the national landscape to take the field earlier than expected after the calamitous group-stage exit at the showpiece tournament.
The Waratahs have name eight Wallabies in their starting XV to take on the Rebels, while the Melbourne-based side are expected to roll out a near full-strength side including Taniela Tupou off the bench.
Up in Brisbane and the Western Force will take on the Reds, with Nic White and Ben Donaldson set to pull on the jersey for the first time after making the move to Perth.
In Canberra, the Brumbies will host the Fiji Drua and several international stars are expected to get their first hit out after a long pre-season following the Wallabies’ early World Cup exit.
The Wallabies have since farewelled coach Eddie Jones and replaced him with former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt, as the side looks for a fresh start after the code’s low point.
Slipper, who used his break to return home to Queensland and spend time with his infant daughter, said he and his World Cup teammates needed the mental recharge during the time off.
“It’s probably fair to say a lot of us needed one,” he said.
“It was tough, one of the toughest things, or rugby environments I’ve been in.
“Results cover up a lot (and) when you’re not getting the results, the pressure was on … it was uncomfortable.
“When you come off disappointing results it’s only natural to look for something a bit more positive and the future is always positive for everyone in pre-season.
“That was quite a young team that went over to that World Cup, so they’re still pretty hungry to get out there and play rugby and I guess that’s a good thing.”
Fellow former Wallabies skipper Ben Mowen, who’s now an assistant coach at the Brumbies, said the national team players were champing at the bit to play in the first trial game.
“They’re ready, they’ve been in the program for a time, they’re fit and ready to go, they feel recharged,” he said.
“They’re all really focused on putting a good performance out there … (if you) look at the back end of last year the last memories aren’t good, so they want to create new ones.”
Mowen, a 15-cap Wallaby, said Australian rugby should seize the “unique” chance to build from scratch after the disappointing World Cup.
“You never know when the low point is, (but) it is an amazing opportunity for us to get things right,” he said.
“You don’t want resets in life, you prefer to go through plain sailing but it’s just not the reality.
“There’s a lot of untapped talent, a lot of guys hungry to perform in the Australian jersey and for their Super Rugby franchises.”
AAP
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
General knowledge. Are you disputing Slipper’s penalty tally?
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
Yes
Rob
Roar Rookie
well put Breakdown- Jimbo, your bias was funny for a bit- now you are just annoying most of us. just shoosh
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
World Rugby’s most penalised prop (ever) Source pls...
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Have you ever stuck your head between a loose head and a hooker , with a second rower and break away up your arse.
Breakdown Specialist
Roar Rookie
I think it is time for Canberra to apologise for the bullying you received as a young fella at the hands of the overbearing ACT rugby community. You obviously need to vent. To denigrate a “fellow” Queenslander to prove a point is truly a cry for help. Jimbo you are seriously trolling. Which I fell for again. Well done. But we both know there is something else going on. Stop attacking and support all the clubs. If you think you are a rugby supporter think again. Most are contributing to the conversation. You sir have no idea what I am talking about.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Massive year for Australian rugby. They would have lost fans after the world cup and Jones alienated a lot of folk. If results don't come this year it's going to be dire.
Adam Rogers
Roar Rookie
Sounds like a fella that is lamenting what was to be a bit of a swan song... Seems like the guys that missed out on the RWC have the easier personal journey than those that were there
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
I think it was Yazz. But I’ll pay that.
Kens lovechild
Roar Rookie
Slipps sliding away.. . :happy:
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Can ya sing it?
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
World Rugby’s most penalised prop (ever) takes time out to visit child in God’s Country Queensland before heading South to re-join Sauron’s Army, Judas division. May the Reds smite this fake / bankrupt soulless team from everywhere else except fake town ACT.
In From The Side
Roar Rookie
I can understand them feeling like this. Working with that BS artist and a bunch of assistants who don’t know rugby and in an environment where you’re not allowed to question things must have been hard. It’ll be nice knowing they’re not in the rugby environment any more
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
The only way is up