James Slipper
Australia's James Slipper is tackled by Ma'a Nonu (L) and Dan Carter (C) of New Zealand's All Blacks in Auckland at Eden Park during their Beldisloe Cup rugby match, August 15, 2015. Reuters/Nigel Marple

Australian rugby union player James Slipper will become the 83rd player to captain the Qantas Wallabies when it faces the USA Eagles at Soldier Field in Chicago. Slipper, who debuted for the Wallabies in 2010, will lead Australia in his 68th Test in a historic clash on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEST).

The 26-year-old Slipper will take over the reins from Stephen Moore, who has been taking rests from on-field action alongside several Wallabies, including vice-captains Michael Hooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper. Slipper said he is honoured to lead Wallabies, who for the first time in almost 40 years will face the Eagles on US soil.

“I am extremely humbled to be given this opportunity to Captain the team on Saturday night at Soldier Field,” Slipper said, the Australian Rugby reported. “There is no greater honour for a player than to lead his country and I am excited to be able to do it with this incredible group of players.”

Slipper praised Moore for bringing the Wallabies together, and vowed to do his best to honour the 32-year-old skipper, who was recently nominated for the Sports Dad of the Year Award. Slipper also said Sunday’s game will be an important match for Australia ahead of the Rugby World Cup, with a couple of Australian athletes making their debuts for the Green and Gold.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika complimented Slippers’ leadership role with Queensland Reds, saying that the Queensland Reds skipper’s appointment as captain is part of developing the team’s leaders. “This Test match against the USA will give him the honour of captaining his country and the opportunity to lead from the front.” Cheika said.

Ben McCalman will be designated as vice-captain along with Matt Giteau, who will start at inside centre. Chieka has also named Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley in the halves, while uncapped players, prop Toby Smith and winger Tagele Naiyaravoro will come off the bench.

Here are the details for the Wallabies team (15-1) courtesy of SBS: Kurtley Beale, Joe Tomane, Henry Speight, Matt Giteau, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Wycliff Palu, Sean McMahon, Ben McCalman, Rob Simmons, Kane Douglas, Greg Holmes, Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper (capt). Res: James Hanson, Scott Sio, Toby Smith, Dean Mumm, Sam Carter, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Taqele Naiyaravoro.

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