The AUNZ Invitational XV team has been officially announced ahead of the momentous encounter with the British and Irish Lions this Saturday at Adelaide Oval.
Coach Les Kiss will helm the first joint Australia-New Zealand squad since 1989, marking the Lions’ last match before they face the Wallabies in the Test series.
However, the question remains: which of the 30-member squad will secure a place in the starting XV? Here’s a potential lineup to consider.
Marika Koroibete of the Wallabies is tackled by David Havili of the All Blacks. Getty
THE ANZACS (15-1): Shaun Stevenson, Darby Lancaster, AJ Lam, Ngani Laumape, Marika Koroibete, David Havili (c), Folau Fakatava, Hoskins Sotutu, Pete Samu, Shannon Frizell, Lukhan Salakai-Loto, Matt Philip, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Joshua Fusitu’a
While Rugby Australia and we would have loved to see Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga in the halves, the squad still boasts impressive talent, with Kiss acknowledging the blend of Kiwi prowess alongside a skilled local contingent.
Kiss is set to be aided by former All Blacks coach Ian Foster.
“There’s been significant behind-the-scenes effort to bring this squad together, and it’s thrilling to see it all coming to fruition,” Kiss stated.
“We have top-notch coaching staff and a highly motivated group of players that demonstrate the depth of talent spanning both Australia and New Zealand.
“Every player has everything to prove and there’s a palpable excitement surrounding this unique opportunity. As the first AUNZ side in 36 years, we hold the potential to achieve something remarkable here in Adelaide.”
Meanwhile, siblings Tom and Lachie Hooper may take the field together for the first time in a professional environment when the ACT Brumbies face the Lions on Wednesday night at GIO Stadium.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham, previously an assistant coach with the club in 2013 when they made history as the first Australian provincial team to defeat the Lions in over 40 years, reflected, “It’s been wonderful witnessing the development of both Tom and Lachie over the years. It’s a special moment that they might share the field in a Brumbies jersey come Wednesday night.”
“Moreover, it’s against a world-class opponent in the British and Irish Lions, a team that only tours our shores every 12 years. They will be eager to make a positive contribution to the team.
“The boys have been training together for a couple of weeks now and understand how significant this opportunity is to challenge the Lions. We know the formidable challenge that lies ahead, as they are a remarkably strong and powerful side.”
Prop Lington Ieli, flanker Rory Scott, scrum-half and captain Ryan Lonergan, centre David Feliuai, and wing Corey Toole all earn starts following their recent involvement in the Wallabies camp in Sydney and Newcastle, before reuniting with the Brumbies for training last week.
Lock Cadeyrn Neville will make his second start against the Lions, having previously faced them during the 2013 tour while playing for the Melbourne Rebels.
FULL AUNZ INVITATIONAL XV SQUAD: Aidan Ross, AJ Lam, Angus Blyth, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Daniel Botha, Darby Lancaster, David Havili, Folau Fakatava, George Dyer, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Hoskins Sotutu, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Jock Campbell, Joe Brial, Joey Walton, Joshua Fusitu’a, Kalani Thomas, Kurt Eklund, Lachlan Anderson, Lukhan Salakai-Loto, Mac Grealy, Marika Koroibete, Matt Philip, Ngani Laumape, Pete Samu, Richie Asiata, Seru Uru, Shannon Frizell, Shaun Stevenson, Tane Edmed
BRUMBIES TEAM TO PLAY LIONS
Starting XV
- Lington Ieli
- Lachlan Lonergan
- Rhys van Nek
- Lachie Shaw
- Cadeyrn Neville
- Tom Hooper
- Rory Scott
- Tuaina Taii Tualima
- Ryan Lonergan (c)
- Declan Meredith
- Corey Toole
- David Feliuai
- Ollie Sapsford
- Ben O’Donnell
- Andy Muirhead
Finishers: Liam Bowron, Cameron Orr, Feao Fotuaika, Lachie Hooper, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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