James Slipper selected in Australian Super Rugby XV to play Wallabies in Bledisloe Cup trial

Sport360 staff

21:40 31/07/2018

The Australian Super Rugby XV has been confirmed by coach John Manenti, ahead of Friday night’s Wallabies trial at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.

Test veteran James Slipper will mark his return to rugby against some familiar faces while Melbourne Rebels skipper Tom English will lead again on Friday night, in what’s set to be a Bledisloe Cup tune-up.

Four capped Wallabies (Slipper, Blake Enever, Matt Philip and Richard Hardwick) will line-up against Michael Cheika’s side while several have featured in national squads over the last two seasons.

Flyhalf Andrew Deegan and flanker Tevin Ferris will represent the Western Force at Leichhardt Oval, with the game free to attend at the family friendly kick-off time of 18:45 (12:45 UAE time).

Head Coach John Manenti said: “We’ll have some fun this week but make no mistake, we will prepare as best we can to give Cheik’s side a real shake on Friday night.

“I know how important this game could prove to be ahead of the Bledisloe Cup so we need to play with real accuracy and plenty of intensity straight from the kickoff.

“I have to thank the Super Rugby coaches and Club Rugby coaches across Australia for being so accommodating in letting us borrow their players for what’s set to be a special night in Sydney.

“James’ (Slipper) enthusiasm has really impressed me since we invited him to join. He’s keen to be back out there and training hard but also really wants to get his old Wallabies teammates firing ahead of that first Bledisloe. That just shows the character of the bloke,” Manenti said.

Friday night’s clash will be live to Wallabies fans around the world, with the game to be streamed on rugby.com.au.

Michael Cheika’s side for the clash will be named later this week.

Australian Super Rugby Selection vs Wallabies

Leichhardt Oval, Friday August 3, 12:45 (UAE time)

(Streaming live on rugby.com.au)