James Slipper set for record-breaking Super Rugby appearance against Chiefs

James Slipper will become the all-time leader in Super Rugby appearances this week after being named to start for the ACT Brumbies against the Chiefs in Canberra, moving one game clear of former Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett.

Slipper will make Super Rugby history in front of Brumbies fans in the capital after missing last weekend’s clash with the Fijian Drua in Ba. The 36-year-old is already the most-capped Wallaby in history, reaching that mark against the All Blacks in Perth last October.

Coach Stephen Larkham has made several changes to the starting side after the round five defeat to the Drua, which marked back-to-back losses for the side. The Brumbies had lost a thriller to the Queensland Reds in round three, with Carter Gordon scoring an 82nd-minute match-winner.

History-maker Slipper will pack down alongside Wallabies rake Billy Pollard and Darcy Breen up front, while Nick Frost and Cadeyrn Neville round out the tight five. Toby MacPherson will provide second-rower cover off the bench after scoring a double against the Drua.

Rob Valetini shifts from No. 8 to blindside flanker, with in-form backrower Charlie Cale returning to the matchday 23. Rory Scott completes the loose forwards trio as the starting openside flanker, with Luke Reimer set to provide impact off the pine.

Captain Ryan Lonergan is back in the run-on side at scrum-half, linking up with Declan Meredith in the halves. Meredith will wear the No. 10 jersey, while Wallabies playmaker Tane Edmed has been named as a finisher.

Hudson Creighton shifts into the midfield at inside centre, with Kadin Pritchard retaining the starting role at outside centre. Paris Olympian Corey Toole lines up on the left wing, with Kye Oates on the right and Andy Muirhead at fullback.

This round six blockbuster between the Brumbies and Chiefs at Canberra’s GIO Stadium will kick off at 7:35 pm AEDT.

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Brumbies

01:35

20 Mar 26

Chiefs

All Stats and Data

ACT Brumbies to take on Chiefs

1. James Slipper

2. Billy Pollard

3. Darcy Breen

4. Nick Frost

5. Cadeyrn Neville

6. Rob Valetini

7. Rory Scott

8. Charlie Cale

9. Ryan Lonergan (c)

10. Declan Meredith

11. Corey Toole

12. Hudson Creighton

13. Kadin Pritchard

14. Kye Oates

15. Andy Muirhead

Replacements

16. Liam Bowron

17. Blake Schoupp

18. Tevita Alatini

19. Toby MacPherson

20. Luke Reimer

21. Klayton Thorn

22. Tane Edmed

23. Austin Anderson