ACT Brumbies prop James Slipper earns 150th Super Rugby cap

But the ACT Brumbies scrumhalf assures you he is not, because "that one try, whilst it feels like I'm taking the piss out of him, it's what he's about".

There's a reason Slipper is a Wallabies centurion. There's a reason he is about to earn his 150^th Super Rugby cap when the Brumbies prop takes on the Fijian Drua in Brisbane on Saturday night.

The 32-year-old Queenslander puts his head where it shouldn't be. He's the one making that crucial cleanout. He's the one holding up the scrum. But he's also the player who is more than happy to fly under the radar, as much as a 185 centimetre, 117 kilogram prop can.

"He's rarely the guy spoken about at the end of the games as man of the match, but he'd be the first person, I can guarantee you, most guys would write down as man of the match," White said.

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"He's doing all the stuff people and commentators don't see, but within a team we see it and we value it, and the coaches value it so much.

"He is an ultimate team player, he's the guy you want to be in the trenches with, he'd be first-picked for me, when the going gets tough I want Slips right there next to me."

Come Saturday there will be two new faces lining up next to Slipper in the Brumbies' front-row. Hooker Billy Pollard earns his first start, and tighthead prop Sefo Kautai earns his second.

Pollard was eight years old when Slipper burst onto the scene with the Queensland Reds in 2010 before making his Test debut with just three Super Rugby caps to his name.

So there's a reason a milestone like this has been marked by Brumbies teammates giving the veteran a bit of stick about his age.

"They always remind me how old I am. I think I only feel old because of how young the boys are coming through," Slipper said.

"A lot of them were born in the 2000s, it's just another reminder I'm on the wrong side of 30. There's a new crop of players coming through and that's what makes it exciting.

"For the Brumbies, it's putting them in good stead for years to come because there's a fair bit of local talent and boys from out of state pushing their case to play more frequently."

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says Slipper has been a superb addition to the club since the day he arrived ahead of the 2019 season following adversity.

Slipper's career was on the brink in 2018 when he was battling depression in the wake of a ban for recreational drug use. The Brumbies rolled the dice when many wondered if any Australian team would, and the gamble paid off.

The loosehead prop is set to stay in Canberra for the 2023 season, eyeing a shot at a fourth World Cup, and his form suggests he will be among the first picked.

"The move has been great. I was just saying, I've extended for another year so that will bring my total to five years here. It feels like yesterday I just arrived," Slipper said.

"I've really enjoyed it, not just the Brumbies but Canberra itself, it's a place I really enjoy being. I feel like it gets the best out of my rugby."

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC ROUND EIGHT

Saturday: Fijian Drua v ACT Brumbies at Lang Park, 7.45pm. Broadcast live on Stan Sport.

Brumbies squad: 1. James Slipper, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Sefo Kautai, 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Tom Hooper, 6. Ed Kennedy, 7. Luke Reimer, 8. Rob Valetini, 9. Nic White (c), 10. Rod Iona, 11. Andy Muirhead, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Cam Clark, 15. Tom Wright. Reserves: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Nick Frost, 20. Rory Scott, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Hudson Creighton, 23. Ollie Sapsford.

Drua squad: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Mesulame Dolokoto, 3. Samuela Tawake, 4. Viliame Rarasea, 5. Chris Minimbi, 6. Joseva Tamani, 7. Vilive Miramira, 8. Meli Derenalagi (c), 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Teti Tela, 11. Vinaya Habosi, 12. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 13. Apisalome Vota, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 15. Kitione Ratu. Reserves: 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Timoci Sauvoli, 18. Jone Tiko, 19. Isoa Nasilasila, 20. Raikabula Momoedon, 21. Rusiate Nasove, 22. Simione Kuruvoli, 23. Napolioni Bolaca.

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