Phipps in thick of it

FROM rollercoaster ride to the hot seat, Wallabies halfback Nick Phipps refuses to be ruffled.

It began with a frustrating calf injury that kept him sidelined from the start of Super Rugby and then had him coming off the bench for NSW as rivals put their hands up for Wallabies selection.

But Phipps also enjoyed one of the greatest occasions of his life six weeks ago – getting married to partner Ebony Bamford.

However, even that was soured by revelations he had urinated on a bar during his buck’s party, blemishing his cleanskin record.

And now, with Will Genia’s arm broken, Phipps will start at halfback for Australia in one of the most crucial Tests in years – the series-deciding third match against world No.2 Ireland at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday.

“The highs and lows of professional sport, you can’t replicate in any other form of profession,” the 29-year-old Phipps said.