James Slipper has provided a significant update on his future with the ACT Brumbies, expressing his desire to continue playing next season and his confidence in securing a new contract. The veteran prop, now 36 years old, is focused on enjoying the current Super Rugby Pacific finals series, which could be his last if a deal is not reached.
Slipper's Commitment to the Brumbies
Slipper, whose contract expires at the end of this campaign, revealed that preliminary discussions have taken place with the club. However, he understands that the Brumbies' primary focus is on locking in younger players. "I'd like to think it's not [my last hurrah]," Slipper told The Canberra Times. "I'd like to go around again. I'm confident something will get done, so I'm not too stressed. But if it is the last game then I'll enjoy it."
The Brumbies are preparing for a three-week stay in New Zealand, starting with a must-win qualifying final against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday. The team flies out on Wednesday, and if they win, subsequent finals are likely to be held across the Tasman as well. Slipper acknowledged the challenge, saying, "You've got to take confidence, regardless of who you're playing against. We've played a few Kiwi teams over there this year, so we know we can do it. What we need to do is play our best game."
Team Preparations and Mindset
Brumbies inside centre David Feliuai only learned on Sunday to pack for the long term. With the top four teams on the Super Rugby ladder all from New Zealand, a victory over the Hurricanes would likely mean a semi-final in New Zealand, and possibly the final as well. Feliuai said, "The mentality is [we're] going over there for three weeks, so I've got to pack for three weeks. But then in saying that we want to take it one game at a time and focus on who we have in front of us this week."
Slipper noted that the early forecast predicts wet conditions in Wellington, making the Brumbies' scrum a crucial factor against the Hurricanes. The Brumbies have enjoyed success in New Zealand recently, having beaten the Crusaders and Highlanders this year and the Blues last season. However, they lost to the Hurricanes in Christchurch five weeks ago. Slipper emphasized the do-or-die nature of the match: "It's do or die, so we've got to go out there and swing the club, and make sure that we give it a good crack 'cause there's no second chance."
The qualifying final is scheduled for Friday at 5:05 pm in Wellington.
