Portugal Colonial - Veteran Slipper set for new Super Rugby landmark

The veteran prop, 36, will enter rarefied air on Sunday when he takes the field in Christchurch against the Canterbury Crusaders as he closes in on the all-time appearance record of 202.

That mark is held by retired All Blacks great Wyatt Crockett.

"He's a great person, first and foremost, off the field. He's very dedicated and passionate about rugby and the Brumbies," Larkham said of Slipper in announcing his team late Wednesday.

"Every time he speaks, whether it's in a huddle or in a team meeting space, everyone listens and takes the advice on board and then he backs that up with consistent performance.

"(He's) still playing as good as he's ever played in his career and still loving his rugby, it's a pleasure to coach him and the boys love being around him."

Slipper made his Super Rugby debut for the Queensland Reds in 2010, before moving to the Brumbies nine years later.

He played his 151st and final Wallabies Test last year after announcing his retirement from the international game, resisting the temptation of pushing on to a World Cup on home soil in 2027.

The Brumbies are coming off a 56-24 thrashing of Western Force to open their season last weekend in Perth, while the Crusaders were narrowly defeated 25-23 by the Otago Highlanders.

But the Canberra-based side face a huge hurdle in Christchurch where they last tasted victory in 2000, with the Crusaders winning their previous 12 against them at the ground.

"The season is underway and we are confident, but we remain focused on improving and taking our performance to the next level," Larkham said.

S.Caetano--PC