Australia international James Slipper returns to action after ban

Queensland Reds prop James Slipper will return to action after a two-month ban after he was selected for the Australian Super Rugby Selection side to take on Wallabies in a trial game ahead of the Bledisloe Cup.

Slipper was also fined £15,000 apart from the suspension as he returned a positive test in February and May this year after using drugs to deal with a year-long period of depression.

The ban for the 29-year-old ended on 15th July as he was called up by coach John Manenti to play for the composite team and will be one of the four players with Test experience in the squad.

"James's enthusiasm has really impressed me since we invited him to join," Manenti said.

"He's keen to be back out there and training hard but also really wants to get his old Wallabies teammates firing ahead of that first Bledisloe.

"That just shows the character of the bloke."

The squad will be captained by Melbourne Rebels' Tom English and also has Blake Enever, Matt Philip and Richard Hardwick with Test experience while five of the players are not associated with any Super Rugby team.

"We'll have some fun this week but make no mistake, we will prepare as best we can to give Cheik's side a real shake on Friday night," Manenti said.

"I know how important this game could prove to be ahead of the Bledisloe Cup so we need to play with real accuracy and plenty of intensity straight from the kickoff."

Australian Super Rugby selection: Semisi Tupou, Pama Fou, Tom English (captain), Duncan Paia'aua, Filipo Daugunu, Andrew Deegan, Moses Sorovi, Pat Sio, Richard Hardwick, Angus Cottrell, Matt Philip, Blake Enever, Sam Talakai, Anaru Rangi, James Slipper.

Reserves: Hugh Roach, Fereti Sa'aga, Mees Erasmus, Angus Blyth, Tevin Ferris, Mick Snowden, Sam Lane, Fabian Goodall