The All Blacks have arrived in Brisbane ahead of their Bledisloe Cup clash with the Wallabies this Saturday.
The Wallabies have named two replacement players with Ben Alexander the latest to succumb to the Wallabies injury curse.
Katlynn Bradder-Denning reports.
TRANSCRIPT
Hooker James Hansen will step in for Saia Fainga’a, forced to withdraw with a broken hand.
James Slipper has been named as the replacement prop for Ben Alexander who’s out with an injured wrist.
For Slipper, the home crowd debut is a dream come true.
James Slipper, Wallabies Prop: “As a Reds player I love playing at Suncorp and Queenslanders really get out and support the teams and it’s just a great atmosphere to play at Suncorp. There’s also a lot of Kiwi’s up here in Queensland which no doubt they’ll be at Suncorp.”
But he admits it’s not going to be easy.
James Slipper, Wallabies Prop: “Its going to be tough for us but you know we’re going to put our best foot forward at training.”
Coming in off the bench, Hansen hopes he’ll get a run on.
James Hansen, Wallabies Hooker: “It’d be the perfect debut if I could manage to get on this weekend in front of my family and friends and obviously home ground.”
He’s already got a game plan, hoping to dominate early.
James Hansen, Wallabies Hooker: “You can’t let the All Blacks get a roll on because they just build momentum through the game so you’ve got to start well.”
The hooker is the nephew of former Wallaby players Tony Parker and cousin of Brendan Cannon who he’s turned to for advice.
James Hansen, Wallabies Hooker: “I’ve been lucky to have a few guys like that in my life I’m able to get advice from.”
While Wallabies fans got to meet players in the Queen Street Mall earlier today, All Black fans will have their chance tomorrow.
The Kiwis are on a 16 game winning run, a record the Wallabies are hoping to smash.
Katlynn Bradder-Denning, QUT News.