Havili and Salakaia-Loto to co-captain star-studded AUNZ XV against Lions

Crusaders captain David Havili and Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will share leadership duties this weekend, with 17 internationally-capped players named to play for the AUNZ Invitational XV against the British & Irish Lions in Adelaide.

Havili recently led the Crusaders to their first Super Rugby Pacific title in two years, as the serial champions got the better of the Chiefs by four points in Christchurch. While Havili missed out on All Blacks honours, the midfielder is set for an international-calibre contest.

Havili has been named at inside centre for the AUNZ side, joining former All Blacks centre Ngani Laumape in the midfield. Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava and one-Test Wallaby Tane Edmed will link up in the halves.

Libbok on his goal kicking

Libbok on his goal kicking

Rounding out the starting backline are former Wallabies flyer Marika Koroibete, Blues utility AJ Lam, and long-serving Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson. The Reds trio of Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Jock Campbell will provide cover off the bench.

In the forwards, Salakaia-Loto headlines a pack that includes a mix of Test stars. The AUNZ co-captain joins Angus Blyth in the second row, while Aidan Ross packs down alongside Brandon Paenga-Amos and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen up front.

Rugby World Cup finalist Shannon Frizell will partner Pete Samu in the backrow as the two starting flankers, while Hoskins Sotutu rounds out the starting side at No. 8. Maori All Blacks captain Kurt Eklund and former Wallaby Matt Philip are among those on the bench.

“After speaking with all the players we thought the co-captaincy model with natural leaders like David and Lukhan would really suit this team and what we represent,” coach Les Kiss said.

“This week has been building nicely and the boys have put a lot of time into getting to know each other.

“In forming new bonds many of them have discovered they have more in common than they originally thought.

“We have named an experienced, powerful starting side for Saturday and we know our bench will make an impact when they get their opportunity.”

For the first time since the late 1980s, Australia and New Zealand will join forces on the rugby field. It’s a historic occasion, with their match against the Lions set to get underway at 7:30 pm ACST on Saturday evening from Adelaide Oval.

AUNZ Invitational XV to take on British & Irish Lions

1. Aidan Ross
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
4. Angus Blyth
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (cc)
6. Shannon Frizell
7. Pete Samu
8. Hoskins Sotutu
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Tane Edmed
11. Marika Koroibete
12. David Havili (cc)
13. Ngani Laumape
14. AJ Lam
15. Shaun Stevenson

16. Kurt Eklund
17. Joshua Fusitu’a
18. George Dyer
19. Matt Philip
20. Joe Brial
21. Kalani Thomas
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
23. Jock Campbell

Head Coach: Les Kiss
Assistant Coaches: Ian Foster, Simon Cron, Zane Hilton