Marika Koroibete Named in Strategy to ‘Weaken the Lions’ as Elite Anzac Squad Begins to Form

Marika Koroibete is set to bring some star quality to the AUNZ Invitational XV as he joins two other Wallabies in the lineup to face the British and Irish Lions at Adelaide Oval on July 12.

The two-time recipient of the John Eales Medal has not been included in Joe Schmidt’s Test squad that is preparing for the upcoming match against Fiji in Newcastle this Saturday.

Schmidt will announce his lineup for the Lions match on July 11; however, the 32-year-old winger has the chance to make a comeback as a potential injury replacement if he delivers an impressive performance.

Former Wallabies Pete Samu and Brandon Paenga-Amosa were also added to Les Kiss’ growing squad, which now totals nine players.

Locked in are ex-All Blacks Shannon Frizell, David Havili, Ngani Laumape, Shaun Stevenson, and Folau Fakatava, alongside emerging Blues prop Joshua Fusitu’a.

This marks the first collaboration between Australian and New Zealand teams since 1989, with the squad set to gather in Adelaide this weekend to kick off their preparations.

Additional players will be revealed shortly.

“The All Blacks will undoubtedly bring that extra dose of power you require – that combination of strength and speed,” Kiss noted.

“The preparation time is limited, but everyone knows how to play footy. We aim to keep it simple and allow them to execute the base plan while playing freely,” he added.

NEW PODCAST! Star flanker Fraser McReight joins the crew live from inside Wallabies camp as they gear up for their match against Fiji on Sunday.

Kiss also discussed the unique fixture on Stan’s Rugby Heaven recently.

“There’s ongoing discussions to ensure that the Wallabies players have adequate access to this game, particularly as it is the last significant match before the Test series kicks off,” he stated.

“We certainly want to facilitate opportunities for our players in certain positions; these discussions will continue, and we must remain adaptable right up to the last minute.”

“Looking at the potential personalities in the squad, we can expect a lot of competitive players eager to make their mark,” he remarked.

Before the recent 52-12 defeat suffered by Kiss’ Queensland Reds at the hands of the Lions, he was optimistic about the strength of the Anzac team.

“I anticipate nothing less than an intensely competitive match,” Kiss expressed.

“They will be formidable, with immense physicality and talent throughout their squad. We plan to give our best to challenge them effectively.”

“Our aim is to ensure it’s an enjoyable experience, while also doing our part to prepare the Wallabies by putting the Lions under some pressure,” he added.

Meanwhile, Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has named two uncapped players in her squad for upcoming matches against New Zealand and Wales.

Seventeen-year-old Waiaria Ellis from NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds winger Caitlin Urwin have earned their selection due to outstanding performances with Australia A.

Joining them in the squad are Western Force’s Samantha Wood and the Waratahs quartet of Annabelle Codey, Piper Duck, Brianna Hoy, and Maya Stewart, all of whom step in as new faces following the Pacific Four series.

Wood, Duck, Hoy, and Stewart are all making their return from injury, providing a timely boost as the Rugby World Cup approaches, while Codey earns her first call-up to the Wallaroos squad since 2023.

Australia’s next encounter is against reigning world champions Black Ferns in Wellington on July 12, as they continue their preparation for the Rugby World Cup in England.

“Our previous camps in June and the Australia A match have established a solid foundation as we gear up for the next three Test matches leading into the Rugby World Cup,” Yapp remarked.

“We are thrilled with the squad selected, particularly with players returning from injury and the inclusion of Caitlin Urwin and Waiaria Ellis, who have both earned the opportunity to progress further with us this season,” Yapp continued.

“Facing New Zealand will undoubtedly be another physical test, and playing Wales twice on home soil before the World Cup will help establish a strong foundation as we inch closer to the tournament.”