Coach Les Kiss, who is set to take over as Wallabies head coach next year, has named a star-studded matchday 23 featuring 17 internationals, including a starting XV made up entirely of capped players. He’s joined in the coaching box by former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.
The forward pack is built around a Reds-dominated tight five, with Salakaia-Loto lining up alongside Aidan Ross, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, and Angus Blyth. Shannon Frizell and Hoskins Sotutu join Pete Samu in a dynamic back row.
In the backline, Havili, fresh off leading the Crusaders to a Super Rugby title, starts at inside centre beside ex-All Black Ngani Laumape. Shaun Stevenson will start at fullback, adding flair to an already potent backline.
“This group has come together with great energy,” said Kiss. “Naming David and Lukhan as co-captains reflects the strong leadership we have in this squad. They’ve bonded quickly and found common ground despite their backgrounds.”The Lions, coached by Andy Farrell, remain unbeaten in their Australian tour, having defeated four Super Rugby sides – including a 36-24 win over the Brumbies on Wednesday – but face what could be their toughest challenge yet in Adelaide.The match marks the first time the two rugby powerhouses have united since 1989 and serves as the Lions’ final warm-up before their first Test against Australia on July 19 in Brisbane.
AUNZ Invitational XV (15-1): Shaun Stevenson; AJ Lam, Ngani Laumape, David Havili (co-capt), Marika Koroibete; Tane Edmed, Folau Fakatava; Hoskins Sotutu, Pete Samu, Shannon Frizell; Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (co-capt), Angus Blyth; Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Aidan Ross
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, George Dyer, Matt Philip, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry Mclaughlin-Phillips, Jock Campbell
