Build-up as British and Irish Lions face First Nations & Pasifika XV
Date: 10:10 BST
Title: Team news - First Nations and Pasifika XV
Content: First Nations & Pasifika XV v Lions (11:00 BST)
With a combined 153 Australia caps, Kurtley Beale and Taniela Tupou are the big names in the First Nations and Pasifika XV.
Flanker Charlie Gamble starts in the back row after impressing against the Lions for New South Wales Waratahs.
He won four turnovers in that game and the Lions simply could not deal with his ground work.
First Nations and Pasifika XV: Muirhead; Reilly, Foketi, Feliuai, Daugunu; Beale, Thomas; Ieli, Paenga-Amos, Tupou, Swain, Salakaia-Loto, Uru, Gamble, Tualima.
Replacements: Asiata, Pearce, Doge, Vocevoce, Leota, Goddard, Debreczeni, McLeod.
Update:
Date: 10:06 BST
Title: Tupou aims to impress Schmidt
Content: First Nations & Pasifika XV v Lions (11:00 BST)
Kurtley Beale is one of only 15 indigenous Australians to have represented the Wallabies and is one of six indigenous players in the matchday 23, with the rest of the squad made up of players with Pacific Islands heritage.
Tonga-born prop Taniela Tupou, who has 58 caps for Australia, starts and is the one to watch.
The 29-year-old has struggled to reach his previous best form and has been released by Australia head coach Joe Schmidt to play the game.
He also featured against the Lions for the New South Wales Waratahs.
Could he force his way back into Test contention? Tupou has been open about his recent confidence struggles on the pitch.
Not many props in world rugby live with the best version of Tupou, who has the nickname 'Tongan Thor', which sums up his size and power.
Alex Mitchell knows that.....
Update:
Date: 10:03 BST
Title: 'The red sea will be coming down all excited' - Beale
Content: First Nations & Pasifika XV v Lions (11:00 BST)
Veteran Wallaby Kurtley Beale captains the First Nations and Pasifika XV after overcoming a hamstring injury that ruled him out of facing the Lions for Western Force in the opening tour game.
The 36-year-old played in all three Tests 12 years ago against the Lions and slipped when attempting to convert a match-winning penalty to win the first Test.
"There are some classy players and some real talent. To lead them on to the park against the Lions is an absolute privilege and huge honour," Beale said.
"We are hoping to get a really good healthy crowd. The red sea (of Lions fans) will be coming down all excited after the first Test win in Brisbane. It will be a wonderful occasion."
Update:
Date: 10:00 BST
Title: The final game for many
Content: First Nations & Pasifika XV v Lions (11:00 BST)
It is the final midweek game of the Lions' tour of Australia.
Andy Farrell has opted to rest his Test starters but there is still plenty to play for.
Who can force their way into the matchday 23 on Saturday? How players will be playing their final game in a Lions shirt?
This game against the First Nations and Pasifika XV is likely to bring plenty of talking points.
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