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AAP
AAP
Oliver Caffrey

Wallabies captain Slipper keeps mum on documentary barb

James Slipper has refused to buy-in on Eddie Jones's barb in a documentary about the 2023 World Cup. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Wallabies captain James Slipper has no intention of reliving the disastrous Eddie Jones era as Australia attempt to win consecutive Tests for the first time since 2021.

Slipper has reclaimed skipper duties for Saturday night's clash with Wales at AAMI Park in Melbourne after last week's captain Liam Wright was ruled out due to a shoulder injury.

Reluctantly stepping up to captain Australia for the 15th time, the star Brumbies prop refuses to look back in the rear-view mirror.

In the documentary series centred around the Wallabies' ill-fated World Cup campaign last year, former coach Jones bluntly told Slipper Australian forwards had "no hardness" about them.

Jones' brutal comments came after the Wallabies' shock loss against Wales that ultimately led to them exiting the World Cup at the group stage.

"Everyone in the circle knows what happened," Slipper said on Friday when asked about Jones's comments in the documentary.

"Most of the fans, rugby fans, sporting fans know what happens so we're not going to spill it out again. 

"For us as a group, we're moving forward and we want to do our talking on the field.

"He's (Jones) been around a long time, he's coached all over the world so he'd have a fair idea of what he's talking about. 

"But once again, I stand here in front of you and I'm really struggling to talk about last year when we've got a really good game this weekend."

Wright is one of five changes for the Wallabies following last week's gritty 25-16 win in Sydney over last year's World Cup nemesis.

Slipper's Brumbies teammate Charlie Cale slots into the No.8 for the first start of his Test career, combining with Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini in the backrow.

Slipper is part of an unchanged front row that includes hooker Matt Faessler and tighthead prop Taniela Tupou.

The Wallabies are seeking consecutive victories for the first time since a five-game winning streak was halted in 2021, in what would be a huge confidence boost to begin the Joe Schmidt era.

"The good teams are consistent throughout their performances and that's what we're aiming to do," Slipper said.

"Coming off a pretty lean year last year and a new group of players, new staff, we just really wanted to put in a performance that we were proud of.

"The challenge for us now is to replicate that."

Wales are trying to end an eight-game losing streak and haven't won a Test against the Wallabies in Australia since 1969.

But Wales captain Dewi Lake remains optimistic his team can end their drought.

"What this group needs is a win just to kickstart that run of form," Lake said.

"Winning is a habit so as soon as we get that first one under our belts, you never know what can happen."

In a major blow for Wales, No.8 Aaron Wainwright (hamstring) and Josh Hathaway (elbow) have been ruled out with injury.

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