Unwanted Wallabies forward makes case for selection
Salakaia-Loto was a stand-out as the First Nations and Pasifika XV almost caused a massive boilover at Marvel Stadium before falling to a 24-19 defeat.
It was the lock/back-rower's third meeting with the Lions and he again proved he has the skills, physicality and aggressive mindset to unsettle the highly fancied tourists.
His First Nations and Pasifika coach Kefu, an integral part of the Wallabies team that downed the Lions in 2001, said Salakaia-Loto had been "outstanding", while Test centurion and former captain Hooper said the 28-year-old should be in the starting side.
But Salakaia-Loto wasn't convinced he would be recalled to the Wallabies squad ahead of their must-win match at the MCG on Saturday night, when they need a victory to keep the series alive after a loss in Brisbane.
Told by Schmidt he needed more minutes after an injury-affected Super season, Salakaia-Loto said he'd done what he could.
"I've had three chances, three cracks at these guys, so I don't have any more chances to sort of try and push my case forward," the Reds veteran said.
"I've got my flight details to go home, back to Brissie to see my two girls and my partner, so that's all I'm worried about."
Salakaia-Loto said his performance had been inspired by the emotion of representing his Samoan culture and family, as well as "a bit of frustration".
He said he also took the attitude that he didn't care about the celebrated status of the Lions players.
"I'll be honest, I just don't care," said the 30-cap forward.
"I got a taste of them up against the Reds and I just knew that what they're about means nothing to me, I just go out there and play.
"You mix that with a bit of frustration, a bit of emotion, and I guess the passion that I've been playing (with), especially for this week."
While the Wallabies team for the second Test will be revealed on Thursday, the Lions appear set to rule out lock Joe McCarthy and winger Mack Hansen, with the star Irish pair both battling foot injuries.
"Joe hasn't trained so far, but with the nature of the week, which is a bit different, we will see how he is for Thursday," said coach Andy Farrell.
"Mack's progressing. Whether he's progressing quick enough, we'll see towards the end of the week."
Owen Farrell captained the Lions for the first time and completed 80 minutes against the First Nations and Pasifika outfit to put his hand up for a midfield bench role.
Farrell described the MCG clash, where more than 90,000 fans are expected, as the "biggest game of our lives" and said his team would need to improve to beat a desperate Wallabies side.
"There will have to be plenty of improvement to get to the point where there's a win on the cards, because we know that Australia are going to be a lot better," Farrell said.
"If you can't get up for what's coming, we're all in the wrong place. To me, this is the biggest game of our lives for every one of us who is part of our squad."
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Walters will helm the Kangaroos on a three-Test Ashes tour at the end of this season, but it is doubtful star players Payne Haas, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be on the plane with him. The trio are leaning towards representing Samoa in the post-season Pacific Championships, which will also have implications for next year's World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The reality of the modern game is that many players have heritages from multiple nations, and the desire to honour their families and represent countries and cultures that are dear to their hearts is strong. That fact has made the international game stronger, as 2022 World Cup finalists Samoa, along with Tonga, have demonstrated. Walters wants to have the best players available for Australia, which is understandable, but also is supportive of the Samoan trio. Australia forward Pat Carrigan, a big supporter of players following their heart on international eligibility, said on Tuesday he expected Walters to "get in the ear" of Brisbane teammate Haas to play for the Kangaroos. Walters was asked on Wednesday if he would. "In time I will, but that's probably not a conversation for today," he said. "I just want to explain to those players that are contemplating, I totally understand their situation, but let's get the Kangaroos opportunity in front of them and see where they're at with that. We move forward from there." Tabuai-Fidow, who represented Samoa in one World Cup match in 2022 before getting injured, won the 2024 Pacific Cup with Australia. Fa'asuamaleaui took out the 2022 World Cup with the Kangaroos. Gold Coast captain Fa'asuamaleaui did play a Test for Samoa in 2019, but has represented Australia in his past seven internationals. Broncos prop Haas has played all his four Tests for Australia. 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