Havili to Captain AUNZ Squad in Historic Clash Against British & Irish Lions
A combined Australia-New Zealand squad will face the British & Irish Lions for the first time in 36 years, with Crusaders’ Super Rugby-winning captain David Havili among those selected.
A highly anticipated match is set for Saturday in Adelaide, as the invitational AUNZ squad prepares to take on the formidable British & Irish Lions. The squad, confirmed by coach Les Kiss on Monday, represents a unique blend of talent from across Australia and New Zealand, with a significant contingent drawn from the Queensland Reds franchise. This marks the first time since 1989 that a combined Australian and New Zealand team will face the touring Lions, comprised of players from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England.
The AUNZ squad boasts a wealth of experience, including several current All Blacks. Aidan Ross, Folau Fakatava, Hoskins Sotutu, Ngani Laumape, and Shannon Frizell will bring their international pedigree to the contest. Joining them are seasoned Wallabies such as Marika Koroibete, Pete Samu, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, and Seru Uru. The selection of Havili, alongside Blues hooker Kurt Eklund and Chiefs prop George Dyer, further strengthens the squad’s leadership and depth.
The Lions have already begun their nine-game tour “Down Under” with a 3-0 record, following a narrow 28-24 loss to Argentina in a warmup match in Dublin. They secured victories against Western Force in Perth, Queensland Reds in Brisbane, and New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney. They will continue their preparations with a match against the Brumbies in Canberra on Wednesday before facing the AUNZ squad as their final tune-up before the three-Test series against the Wallabies, scheduled for July 19, 26, and August 2.
The Reds recently faced the Lions, falling 52-12 in Brisbane despite an early lead of 12-7. Halves pairing Kalani Thomas and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, who featured in that match, have been included in the AUNZ squad.
“We have quality coaches and a highly motivated group of players that represent the depth of talent across Australia and New Zealand,” Kiss stated. “Each of them has a lot to play for and there’s a real sense of anticipation about the unique opportunity in front of us.” He added, “As the first AUNZ side to be assembled in 36 years, we have the chance to do something pretty special here in Adelaide.”
Adding further expertise to the coaching staff are former All Blacks coach Ian Foster, Western Force coach Simon Cron, and Reds assistant Zane Hilton.
Australia opened their international season with a 21-18 comeback victory over Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday, while New Zealand narrowly defeated France 31-27 in Dunedin the previous day.
AUNZ 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 Salakaia-Loto, Mac Grealy, Marika Koroibete, Matt Philip, Ngani Laumape, Pete Samu, Richie Asiata, Seru Uru, Shannon Frizell, Shaun Stevenson, Tane Edmed.
The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the best of Australian and New Zealand rugby against one of the most prestigious touring teams in the world.
