Wallaby Slipper happy to remain skipper for as long as needed

MELBOURNE : Captaining Australia was probably the furthest thing from James Slipper's mind a few years ago when cast adrift by the Queensland Reds but the veteran prop has emerged as a proper role model in a Wallabies team crying out for leadership.

The 33-year-old test centurion will lead the Wallabies in another test against world champions South Africa in Adelaide on Saturday, having had to step in as captain since Michael Hooper left the squad in Argentina to fly home due to well-being issues.

It is not Slipper's first time in charge of the Wallabies - he led the team against the United States at the 2015 World Cup and also against Wales in the final test of last season.

However, it may be his toughest stint, given the horror run of injuries among his team mates this season.

"At no stage did I start this year thinking I was going to be the captain of the Wallabies," he told reporters at Adelaide Oval on Friday.

"It's something that doesn't drive me, but it's something that I'm capable of doing, and something I'm very proud of doing as well.

"Until that time comes where I get the tap on the shoulder to move away, that's when I'll just give it my all. I'm quite comfortable with the job at hand."

The versatile Slipper has had his hands full this season, needing to cover both sides of the scrum due to injuries.

But he is not looking to rush Hooper back into duty.

"I've been in touch with Hoops and I don't think there's a timeline on his return - and nor should there," he said.

"He's got the full support of the playing group and the wider rugby community because mental health is a big part of the world we live in today and something we've got to take really with importance."

Slipper speaks from experience, having struggled with