Wallabies: Veteran James Slipper acknowledges injury toll from second Test loss to England

Dylan Coetzee

James Slipper of the Wallabies passes the ball during the second Test match of the International Rugby Test series between Australia and England at at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Saturday, July 9, 2022. (AAP Image/Jono Searle NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ** STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO BOOKS **

Wallabies veteran James Slipper admits the injury toll is quite severe from their second Test loss against England in Brisbane on Saturday.

Eddie Jones’ side claimed an impressive 25-17 win over the Wallabies, who suffered several injuries during the game.

Multiple injuries

Utility back Izaia Perese suffered a torn ACL after an awkward landing when competing in the air and will be out for an extended period. Meanwhile, second-row Caderyn Neville (knee), Jordan Petaia (concussion) and Scott Sio (arm/shoulder) are all ruled out for at least the third Test.

The main concern for head coach Dave Rennie is in the second-row, particularly after Darcy Swain was banned for the series after his red card offence in the first Test.

When discussing the injury toll after the game, Slipper joked that he would have to step into the lock department but claims he is not stressed and looks forward to next week.

“I may as well just go second row next week,” Slipper told AAP.

“It’s obviously a test… certain positions are challenging at the moment. We’re pretty blessed in the outside back area. The second-row could be interesting.

“I won’t say I’m stressed about it at all; next man up, let’s roll, big game.”

Lack of territory

Australia came back from a 19-point deficit to give themselves a chance to push for the win, but it was not to be, as England held the territory and controlled the kicking game, with Slipper looking forward to the decider in Sydney.

“We were in a position to win that game with 10 minutes to go,” he said.

“By playing at the wrong end of the field… not winning the kicking game, set piece under pressure, that was pretty good to be in that position.

“But in Test matches you need to win the contact area, it’s pretty hard when you’re always going backwards.

“It sets up a pretty big game in Sydney. There will be a lot on the line and what a spot to do it at.”

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