It’s quarter-final week at the Rugby World Cup so James Slipper knew the question was coming.
The prop forward, who has made a near-record 50 bench appearances for the Wallabies, usually goes about his late deeds unnoticed but that wasn’t the case against Scotland at Twickenham four years ago when he nearly became a national pariah.
With Australia leading their quarter-final by five and hoping to close things down, Slipper somehow found himself at first receiver.
Even more inexplicably, he lobbed a cut-out pass in wet conditions that was snaffled by Mark Bennett. Slipper collapsed to the turf in horror as Scottish centre Bennett raced under the crossbar for a potential match-winner.
Australia snatched victory through Bernard Foley’s contentious penalty at the death, leaving Slipper the most relieved man in England.
The subject was raised by reporters in Japan, less than a week out from the Wallabies’ quarter-final against England.
“How did I know that was going to come up?” he said.
“Mate, it still haunts me that one and the boys still give it to me. It’s just important to really work on them (passes) at training.”
Assuming he’s selected in his customary bench role and gets on the park, the 30-year-old loosehead will equal Tatafu Polota-Nau’s Australian record for Test caps as a reserve.
Their shared tally of 51 would be third on a global list, behind two retired hookers – Ireland’s Sean Cronin (62) and New Zealand’s Keven Mealamu (55).
Slipper is one of five current Wallabies squad members in line to make a third successive quarter-final appearance, alongside fellow-prop Sekope Kepu and backs Kurtley Beale, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Will Genia.
They beat South Africa in 2011 through a late James O’Connor penalty before another dramatic finish against the Scots.
“Obviously it’s another game of rugby but what comes with that is a lot of pressure,” Slipper said.
“My advice to any young bloke playing in the finals is to enjoy the moment and don’t get overwhelmed by the occasion.”