There will be tens of thousands of 'Slippers on for Slipper' at GIO Stadium and in lounge rooms around Australia on Friday night as the game celebrates one of its absolute favourites.
James Slipper, the humble and hugely likeable machine of Aussie rugby is set to go past Wyatt Crockett, another of the game's much-loved props as, the most capped Super Rugby player of all-time.
Two hundred and three is the magic and hardly believable number.
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Now 36 years of age, the Brisbane-born front-rower made his Super debut with Queensland back in 2010.
That night Slipper came off the bench against the Waratahs where Wycliff Palu broke the locals' hearts with a late try under the posts.
''It's quite funny," said Morgan Turinui who was in the NSW centres that evening and now commentates Slipper with Stan Sport.
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"From that Reds team, guys have gone on to being the president of Queensland Rugby, actor/directors in the film world, immigration lawyers, indigenous business owners and coaches, but somehow, Slips is still there playing."
Slipper retired from Test rugby last year after earning 151 Wallabies caps, but Turinui added this.
"If you're picking the top three props right now in his position for a Wallabies squad, he is deep in it," he said.
NEW PODCAST! Sean Maloney, Morgan Turinui and Nick Phipps chat to James Slipper ahead of his 203rd Super Rugby match
There might be a touch of uncertainty around Slipper at the international level but what is an absolute lock is his imminent record-breaking game in Canberra.
Ex-All Blacks and Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett, will hand off the torch to Slipper in the Nation's capital.
Crockett, also known as 'Croczilla,' played his way to the top back in 2018 when he was acknowledged with a giant Crusader-style sword among family and friends in Christchurch.
That night, he went past another front-rower in Keven Mealamu.
"That was pretty hard to believe and special for my family to be a part of it as well," Crockett told me.
"Kevvie is such a legend in New Zealand and world rugby, both as a player and as an amazing, humble man. So for me to take that baton on felt like a big honour and responsibility."
But after reaching 202 caps, did the Super Rugby champion and World Cup-winner think anyone would reach his total?
"Honestly, after the South African teams left the comp, I thought there would be less games and the record might actually be hard to beat," Crockett said.
"So for Slips to go past it with less games is bloody impressive. Also, Slips is still playing really great footy, he could still easily play international rugby."
After winning a Super title with the Reds, captaining the side and earning 104 caps, Slipper made the move to the ACT in 2019 where Canberrans quickly absorbed him as one of their own.
It's why they'll all roll out their favourite pairs of slippers in the stands as a nod to the man in the No.1 jersey.
Realising the enormity of the achievement, the Brumbies digital team gave fans a chance to speak directly to the man of the moment and the sentiment is all that's great about the rugby community.
https://x.com/StanSportRugby/status/2034418963044831586?s=20
Among the many messages were.
"We love you Slips, you're my idol."
"Slips, youre an absolute legend, congrats, we love ya."
"You deserve this, you've worked hard, you're amazing."
And finally, "Slips, all of Canberra is behind ya!"
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWA3Zy5EywM/?igsh=YmMxbmc1OXAyZDV5
Slipper only has this year to run on his contract with the Brumbies but hinted it might not be the last when talking on Between Two Posts this week.
"It's funny, my body actually does feel good," Slipper said.
"It probably doesn't look good, but I'm enjoying the game, I'm enjoying playing for the Brumbies and I'm enjoying that I can still go out there and be competitive.
"I've always said, if I can contribute, I'll always put my hand up, so we'll see what happens. There's a chance though."
News that will excite both Aussie rugby fans and Crockett.
"It'll take a huge effort to go past Slips," Crockett said.
https://x.com/StanSportRugby/status/2034106942898245712?s=20
"He might go on and play another 50. If anybody does reach him, I hope they're another front-rower and a good bugger. It would be great to have another member in the two hundy club."
Fans are encouraged to wear their 'Slippers for Slipper' at GIO Stadium on Friday night or in their lounge rooms while watching the record broken on Stan Sport as the Brumbies host the Chiefs from 7pm AEDT.
ACT Brumbies vs Chiefs
FRI 20 MAR: GIO Stadium, Canberra (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Darcy Breen, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, Hudson Creighton, Kadin Pritchard, Kye Oates, Andy Muirhead
Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Austin Anderson
CHIEFS (1-15): Jared Proffit, Samisomi Taukei'aho, Reuben O'Neill, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Quinn Tupara, Daniel Rona, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling
Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Lalakai Foketi
Referee: Nic Berry
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