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‘Rarefied air’: AUNZ Invitational XV assemble for historic Lions clash
By Finn Morton
Australia and New Zealand haven’t joined forces on the rugby field in 36 years, which makes this weekend’s sporting spectacle at Adelaide Oval “rarefied air” for the AUNZ Invitational XV, who will take on the British & Irish Lions.
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For the first time since the 1980s, the neighbouring nations have come together for a rugby union match, which will be held at one of Australia’s iconic sporting venues. Rugby Australia confirmed the full 30-man squad on Monday, wth a mix of Test players and rising stars included.
Crusaders captain David Havili and former All Blacks enforcer Shannon Frizell are among those taking part, joining some former Wallabies like Matt Philip and Pete Samu in the squad. The team assembled in Adelaide on Sunday, with a big week of training and connection ahead.
Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss has taken charge of the side, while former All Blacks coach Ian Foster will serve as one of Kiss’ assistants. There’s been a lot of build-up and speculation leading up to this match, but now the squad is together, the team’s focused on their shot at Lions history.
“We spoke in-depth last night when we had the group together and what an honour it is. It’s 36 years since this event’s happened before. It’s rarefied air, it’s unique,” Kiss said.
“We’re not going to take that for granted. We’re all honoured to be able to put this jersey on. There’s a little bit of that ANZAC spirit in there.
“We’ve got Kiwis songs, we’ve got Aussie songs in the team room. Just making the most of the opportunity to connect and do something special this week.
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“We’re not taking it for granted, that’s for sure.”
Maori All Blacks captain Kurt Eklund is another notable inclusion in the 30-man squad, having played against Japan XV and Scotland in recent weeks. AJ La, Folau Fakatava, George Dyer, Hoskins Sotutu and Joshua Fusitu’a are some of the other Kiwis set to face the Lions.
One-Test Wallaby Tane Edmed and Reds playmaker Harry McLaughlin-Philipps seems to be the two front-runners to wear the No. 10 jersey. Mac Grealy, Darby Lancaster, Marika Koroibete and Shaun Stevenson are among those who could feature in the backline.
After arriving in the City of Churches, the AUNZ side focused on cohesion and connection, with many of these players teaming up for the first time. As Kiss discussed, it’s a group that has “a good bit of power and pace so we’ll use them wisely.”
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“We’re just working on building some frameworks,” Kiss explained.
“There’s a lot of talent, a lot of power, a lot of pace in this team, a lot of rugby intelligence… we want to make sure that we get the right framework for them to be able to express that.
“I don’t think you can afford to be too loose against this team. You’ve got to be able to be direct when you need to be – use your power and pace and get the quick ball you need.
“If we can create that type of opportunity in the edges, I’m pretty sure our boys will be able to take an opportunity when they see it.
“I would say that there’s a lot at stake for a lot at boys, they want to impress, so we’re not going to be willy nilly, that’s for sure. We’re going to be direct, create as many opportunities we can with the different strengths we have in our team.”
AUNZ INVITATIONAL XV SQUAD (Country of representation, current side)
Aidan Ross (Australia/New Zealand, Queensland Reds)
AJ Lam (New Zealand, Blues)
Angus Blyth (Australia, Queensland Reds)
Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Australia, Western Force)
Daniel Botha (Australia, NSW Waratahs)
Darby Lancaster (Australia, NSW Waratahs)
David Havili (New Zealand, Crusaders)
Folau Fakatava (New Zealand, Highlanders)
George Dyer (New Zealand, Chiefs)
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Australia, Queensland Reds)
Hoskins Sotutu (New Zealand, Blues)
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (New Zealand/Samoa, Queensland Reds)
Jock Campbell (Australia, Queensland Reds)
Joe Brial (Australia, Queensland Reds)
Joey Walton (Australia, NSW Waratahs)
Joshua Fusitu’a (New Zealand, Blues)
Kalani Thomas (Australia, Queensland Reds)
Kurt Eklund (New Zealand, Blues)
Lachlan Anderson (Australia, Queensland Reds)
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Australia, Queensland Reds)
Mac Grealy (Australia, Western Force)
Marika Koroibete (Australia, Panasonic Wild Knights)
Matt Philip (Australia, NSW Waratahs)
Ngani Laumape (New Zealand, Moana Pasifika)
Pete Samu (Australia, NSW Waratahs)
Richie Asiata (Australia, Queensland Reds)
Seru Uru (Australia, Queensland Reds)
Shannon Frizell (New Zealand, Toshiba Brave Lupus)
Shaun Stevenson (New Zealand, Kubota Spears)
Tane Edmed (Australia, NSW Waratahs)