Star Metro - Slipper made to wait for record-breaking Super Rugby appearance

The veteran Australian prop, 36, is currently level with the-time mark held by retired All Blacks great Wyatt Crockett on 202 and is now on track to beat the milestone on his home ground in a week's time.

Coach Stephen Larkham said Slipper was not injured, but being rested for the round five trip to Fiji on Saturday.

"We want to make sure that we're not burning our players out," he said in announcing nine changes to the starting side who lost for the first time this season to the Queensland Reds 34-31 last week.

"And he's played every game, and we have had significant travel already.

"This is a really difficult travel, particularly when you talk about big bodies and older players, you want to make sure that you're keeping them fresh throughout the season."

While Slipper will miss out, fellow Wallaby Rob Valetini -- who has Fijian heritage -- will create his own slice of history with his 100th appearance.

But he has been denied an opportunity to play against his brother Kemu who was left out of Drua's matchday 23.

Fijian-born prop Lington Ieli is a debutant for the Brumbies, joining experienced hooker Billy Pollard and Darcy Breen in the front row.

Wallaby Nick Frost gets his first opportunity of the year, while Australian winger Corey Toole returns after sitting out last week's defeat with a leg complaint.

"We learnt a lot from last week," Larkham said. "Sometimes you take more out of a loss than a win.

"The chaos of that game gave our players some really good learnings around how to adapt and overcome challenges during a match.

"This week presents another opportunity for growth and to test ourselves once more in Fiji."

S.Morin--SMC