'Absolutely': Why All Blacks great is firmly behind Kurtley Beale's push for a Wallabies comeback
Mils Muliaina believes the experienced veteran could be a perfect fit for the Wallabies.
Sidelined Wallabies prop James Slipper has re-signed with the Australian Rugby Union and the Queensland Reds for the next two years.
Slipper, 22, is currently on the comeback trail from an ankle syndesmosis injury but is seen as an important member of Australia’s forward pack at next month’s Rugby World Cup.
The tight-head prop enjoyed a remarkable rookie season in 2010, making his run-on starting debut for the Reds in their final-round match before going on to play in all 14 Tests of the year.
Slipper continued to be a key player up front for Queensland this season before injuring his ankle in the final regular season match against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
It ruled him out of the Reds’ Super Rugby play-offs success as well as the Tri-Nations Tests.
Despite not playing for two months, Slipper is expected to be a certainty when Wallabies coach Robbie Deans names his 30-man World Cup squad next Thursday.
The 114kg front-rower has earmarked a return for the Australian Barbarians against Canada on the Gold Coast on August 26.
He will compete with Brumbies prop Ben Alexander for the No.3 jersey when the Wallabies start their World Cup campaign against Italy in Auckland on September 11.
Deans said retaining Slipper through to the end of the 2013 season was crucial to Australia’s continued development.
“To achieve all that he did last year, off the (limited) background that he’d had, was a testament to his attitude, his belief and his work ethic,” the coach said.
“That he was able to kick on this season with the Reds, even though he had the misfortune to miss out on the finals, was another great indicator for his future.
“He presumes nothing and is prepared to do whatever it takes.”
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Mils Muliaina believes the experienced veteran could be a perfect fit for the Wallabies.
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