Growing up on the Gold Coast, James Slipper was inspired to start playing rugby after watching Wallabies legends like halfback George Gregan taking on the best in the world and so often coming out on top.
By his own admission, Slipper was just happy to represent Australia, and left crazy dreams – like surpassing Gregan’s record as the most-capped Wallaby – for others. But in making his 140th international appearance, against New Zealand on Saturday in a thrilling three-point loss, Slipper had done just that.
Gregan, who was in attendance at Accor Stadium, presented Slipper with a bottle of wine specially selected from the 2010 vintage, the year he made his Wallabies debut, while the 35-year-old received a guard of honour from the All Blacks after the game to honour his achievement.
Despite his pride in the milestone, Slipper admitted he would be relieved to return to …