‘They’re not really focused on us’: Paenga-Amosa’s message for Lions

In the words of First Nations & Pasifika XV hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, the British & Irish Lions are “not really focused on us” this week. After taking a one-nil series lead over the Wallabies in Brisbane, the tourists have a chance to make history this weekend.

Young Lions backrower Henry Pollock made headlines last week, saying a three-nil series sweep is “definitely on the table” for the visitors Down Under. With talk of wanting to become the greatest Lions side of all time, they took a step towards that on Saturday.

Scrum-half Jamison-Gibson Park was among those standing near the sideline close to full-time, with the Lions holding on for a 27-19 win. They’ll have the chance to wrap up the series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground this weekend, but have one more tour match to play first.

Boan Venter recalls his Test debut and when he got the Bok call-up

Boan Venter recalls his Test debut and when he got the Bok call-up

The First Nations & Pasifika XV is the first team of its kind in rugby union, as it aims to recognise and celebrate the many cultures that contribute to Australian rugby. While the Lions are widely tipped to win comfortably, the First Nations & Pasifika XV are focused on themselves.

“We know that, we know that very well. We know they’re not really focused on us and that’s okay,” Paenga-Amosa told reporters in Melbourne.

“I guess don’t really want to talk about it too much, we just want to show them what we’re made of, what we can do and what we’ve got essentially.”

95-Test Wallaby Kurtley Beale will captain the side from fly-half, with current Australian squad members Taniela Tupou and Filipo Daugunu named in the run-on side. There are another six capped Wallabies in the matchday 23

Coach Toutai Kefu said in a press release this week that the hosts aren’t “here to make up the numbers” against the highly-favoured Lions, with the Wallabies legend hopeful that the First Nations & Pasifika side can shock the visitors.

Fijian, Samoan, Maori, Tongan, Cook Islands and First Nations peoples are represented in this team, who were in good spirits at their captain’s run on Friday. About 30 hours before thousands pack the stands at Marvel Stadium, the team laughed and had fun as they trained at the venue.

“For us it’s a special occasion. We get to show who we are,” Paenga-Amosa reflected.

“Obviously a lot of us are playing for more than just another jersey, another Test jersey essentially. We’re playing for family.

“There’s quite a bit of emotion that’s going into it. Obviously we don’t want to buy into too much of it but I think emotion can be a good thing.

“It is hard coming together, obviously different Super Rugby clubs, we’ve got a couple of Drua boys as well which has been amazing, but a lot of it has been learning from each other… put it together, what does that make? It makes a good rugby team.”

Coach Andy Farrell is expected to make mass changes to the side that defeated the Wallabies, with upwards of 40 players currently in camp. Nine-cap Scotland forward Gregor Brown is among the fresh faces called into the squad.

Leinster and Ireland tighthead Tom Clarkson is among the others who have been called into play for the prestigious touring side. Whoever coach Farrell names to play on Tuesday, the First Nations & Pasifika squad will be ready for the challenge.

“In the end we all know as rugby players you just take them for face value once we face them on the field,” he added.

“Yeah, it’s exciting.”