Kurtley Beale to captain star-studded First Nations & Pasifika XV

95-Test Wallaby Kurtley Beale will captain the First Nations & Pasifika XV this Tuesday against the British & Irish Lions in Melbourne. Beale headlines an impressive lineup, with current Wallabies squad members Taniela Tupou and Filipo Daugunu also starting.

This team is the first of its kind. It aims to celebrate and recognise First Nations peoples, Samoan, Fijian, Tongan, Maori and Cook Island cultures, that contribute greatly to the rugby union community across Australia.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Darcy Swain, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru and Lalakai Foketi are other capped Australian internationals named in the starting side, while Rob Leota is another Wallaby looking to make a difference off the bench.

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Wallabies great Toutai Kefu believes the team has what it takes to claim a shock win at Marvel Stadium, with the Lions fresh off a confidence-building 27-19 win over the Wallabies at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

“The team has a really nice feel to it, with a blend of not only youth and experience, but also cultures. We’re pleased with how it’s come together and the boys have connected brilliantly so far,” Kefu said in a statement.

“It’s an opportunity for the players involved to press their cases forward for higher honours, so everyone will be keen to make an impression.

“The Lions have shown how strong they are on this tour. No matter who plays, they will be very hard to beat, but we’re not here to make up the numbers.

“We want to win this game and make history.”

Fiji’s Lington Leli will pack down in the front-row alongside Paenga-Amosa and Tupou. Swain will link up with Salakaia-Loto in the second row, with Fijian Drua enforcer Mesake Vocevoce providing lock cover on the bench.

Queensland Reds flanker Uru will line up at openside, with NSW Waratahs backrower Charlie Gamble starting at openside. ACT Brumbies No. 8 Tuaina Taii Tualima rounds out the First XV, with Leota the man to watch coming off the pine.

In the backs, Kalani Thomas will combine with Beale in the halves. David Feliua starts in the midfield along with Foketi, while Daugunu and Triston Reilly start on the wings. Andy Murihead is the final name in the starting lineup, selected at fullback.

This match at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium will kick off at 7:45 pm AEST on Tuesday evening.

First Nations & Pasifika XV to take on British & Irish Lions

1. Lington Ieli (Fiji, Uma & Tabiang, Rabi)
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Samoa & Maori, Ngati Porou, Te Rarawa, Fasito’outa
3. Taniela Tupou (Tonga, Vaini)
4. Darcy Swain (Samoa, Falelatai)
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Samoa, Faleula, Lepea, Faleapuna)
6. Seru Uru (Fiji, Namoli)
7. Charlie Gamble (Tonga, Neiafu, Vava’u)
8. Tuaina Taii Tualima (Samoa, Lauli’I, Falealupo)
9. Kalani Thomas (Maori, Ngapuhi)
10. Kurtley Beale © (First Nations, Darug)
11. Filipo Daugunu (Fiji, Lakeba, Saqani)
12. David Feliuai (Samoa, Pu’apu’a, Samalae’ulu)
13. Lalakai Foketi (Maori & Tonga, Longomapu, Vava’u , Tainui, Maniapoto)
14. Triston Reilly (First Nations, Dunghutti, Wiradjuri)
15. Andy Muirhead (First Nations, Barunggam)

Replacements:

16. Richie Asiata (Samoa, Fasito’o, Satupa’itea, Saleimoa)
17. Marley Pearce (Maori & First Nations, Wardandi Noongar, Tainui)
18. Mesake Doge (Fiji, Daku, Nadogo, Mocuta)
19. Mesake Vocevoce (Fiji, Narewa, Nadi)
20. Rob Leota (Samoa, Avau, Samatau)
21. Harrison Goddard (First Nations, Darug ,  Murawari)
22. Jack Debreczeni (Cook Island, Takitimu Titikaveka)
23. Jarrah McLeod (First Nations, Yuin)