'Awkward' reality for James Slipper, Australia's renaissance man
Wallabies veteran James Slipper says he feels "awkward" to be mentioned in the same breath as the legendary George Gregan.
But the grizzled prop will have to get used to it as he prepares to equal Gregan's Australian record of 139 Tests when the side takes on Argentina in Santa Fe on Sunday (AEST).
A Gold Coast junior, the now 35-year-old made his Wallabies debut in 2010 and has been named as the replacement loosehead prop for the round four Rugby Championship clash.
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James Slipper of the Wallabies speaks to media at Birrarung Marr in Melbourne. Getty
Assuming Slipper also plays against the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup this month, he will rise to fifth on the global all-time list.
Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones (171) is top ahead of fellow greats Sam Whitelock (153), Richie McCaw (148), Sergio Parisse (142) and Brian O'Driscoll (141).
"A little bit awkward," Slipper told reporters on Friday (AEST).
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George Gregan fires a pass in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final. Getty
"It doesn't sit natural with me. I grew up watching rugby and watching most of those players play the game and play in the Wallabies jersey. And in particular those early 2000s and 1990s players, they're the ones that I grew up watching and idolising.
"Obviously Gregan was part of that group, being mentioned alongside him is pretty special in my opinion. We talk quite frequently.
"We'll drop each other a message here and there, just to wish us all the best. He's been a big supporter of us as a group for the last couple of years and I've obviously got to know him over the years as well. He's a great, great bloke."
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Slipper's longevity is remarkable considering his career appeared to be in tatters when he copped a ban for using cocaine in 2018.
At that stage he had played 86 Tests but had been quietly battling depression, which coincided with a season-ending Achilles injury.
Slipper was also struggling with his mother's terminal cancer diagnosis, which added to his frail mental state.
"I remember saying at the time that I didn't know if I was going to play again," Slipper said.
"I guess thinking about it now, probably the Wallabies wasn't a goal of mine at the time, to get back into the international team.
"It was more about just sorting out my life and getting back playing rugby of any sort. And that was at the Brumbies.
"I look back now, it was obviously a bit of adversity in my journey, but it's probably paved the way for where I'm at now."
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt described Slipper as the ultimate team man.
"He's really humble and just gets on with the job," Schmidt said.
Joe Schmidt talks to James Slipper of the Wallabies. Getty
"He's massively invested in the Wallabies. No matter where you are or what the requirement is, he's just really keen to do what's best for the team. That kind of stands out whenever I have conversations with him and he's obviously one of the leaders in the group.
"Because he doesn't speak often, I think the words resonate just a little bit more. He's obviously a proud dad, twice over now and that was a commitment that he had in the early part of last week, so he wasn't involved (in the La Plata win). But it's great to have him back in the mix this week."
PUMAS (15-1): Juan Cruz Mallia, Bautista Delguy, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras, Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Bertranou, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Joel Sclavi, Julian Montoya (c), Thomas Gallo
Reserves: Ignacio Ruiz, Mayco Vivas, Eduardo Bello, Franco Molina, Joaquin Oviedo, Santiago Grondona, Gonzalo Garcia, Santiago Carreras
WALLABIES (15-1): Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, Hamish Stewart, Marika Koroibete, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Harry Wilson (c), Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, Angus Bell
Reserves: Josh Nasser, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Canham, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Josh Flook
