Slipper’s special pals by the ton

IT’S fitting that James Slipper will celebrate his 100th Test on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium with fellow Wallabies centurion Rob Simmons and the team’s defence coach Matt Taylor.

The trio’s bond dates back to 2006, with Taylor coaching The Southport School’s First XV rugby side that included Slipper and Simmons. Taylor guided TSS to the GPS premiership, and repeated the feat the following year, with Slipper still part of the team.

Taylor’s association with Slipper and Simmons continued at the Reds Academy and when he was a Queensland assistant. And it’s a seemingly unbreakable relationship that has extended to the international arena with the Wallabies.

“We’ve had a lot to do with each other over the years,” Taylor said.

“For me it’s been great coaching them again. They mean a lot to me and it’s great when those guys who were young men achieve so much in the game in terms of the amount of caps they’ve earnt for their country.”

Taylor said Slipper’s ability to turn his career and life around after being banned for two months for using cocaine in 2018 had been inspirational.

“He had a tough time there for a while. He had a few issues that he had to sort out, but he’s very proud of where he is now,” Taylor said.

“By working through those issues he’s a better person. It’s great. He’s come through the other side.

“It’s great he’s found his way through and he’s got 100 Tests for his country.”

Taylor was also full of praise for 31-year-old lock Simmons, who will make his 104th Test appearance when the Wallabies attempt to inflict a rare defeat on the All Blacks.

“Consider how many times he’s played for Australia ... he’s been constantly around the team for all that time,” Taylor said.