Latest news with #AUNZInvitationalXV
1News
2 days ago
- Sport
- 1News
Trans-Tasman rugby foes turn friends to tackle touring Lions
NSW Waratahs playmaker Tane Edmed says he's like a "kid in a candy shop" as he soaks up the opportunity to play and learn from some of New Zealand's best, including former All Blacks coach Ian Foster. An AUNZ Invitational XV squad will tackle the might of the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide on Saturday night — the first time the trans-Tasman selection have gathered since 1989. Edmed is one of 18 Australians in the squad, with several out to push their case for a call-up for the Wallabies in the three-match series against the Lions starting in Brisbane on July 19. That includes Test forwards Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip and Seru Uru. With Wallaby coach in-waiting Les Kiss at the helm, the squad has 12 Kiwis including Crusaders captain David Havili, former All Blacks enforcer Shannon Frizell and Test backrower Hoskins Sotutu. ADVERTISEMENT One-Test Edmed hasn't been in the selection picture so far this year but after being a part of the Waratahs outfit which sent a scare through the Lions in Saturday's 21-10 defeat, is excited to gain another opportunity against the tourists. "Getting the chance to come here, meet boys from New Zealand, meet new coaches, new systems - it was really exciting," Edmed said on Tuesday. "And then the chance to play the Lions again, and not many people get to do that, so yeah, really special. "I'm a kid in the candy store at the moment with Fozzy [Foster] and Les [Kiss] and all the coaches, just trying to soak up as much as I can. A lot of people like [Crusaders captain] Dave Havili ... just trying to hang on every word and just learn as much as I can in this week." Assistant coach Foster, who finished up with the All Blacks in 2023, said preparation would be more about building bonds between players than working on an intricate game plan. Ian Foster speaks to media after an AUNZ Invitational XV squad training. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT "Getting to know each other is the main thing, we're not going to go heavy on organisation as we can only do so much in a short time period," Foster said. "It's the guys just wanting to play for the guy next to them and generating a little bit of that sort of Anzac feel about it. "We're putting aside the rivalries and saying 'let's do something together' and it's not a festival game for us - it's one that we want to express ourselves, but it's a real opportunity to play a pretty special team against the Lions and, who knows, achieve something nice."
Evening Standard
2 days ago
- Sport
- Evening Standard
Noah Lolesio: Australia fly-half to miss Lions Test series after undergoing surgery
Along with Edmed, the uncapped Harry McLaughlin-Phillips of the Queensland Reds if due to face the Lions again this weekend after being named in the AUNZ Invitational XV squad for Saturday's game in Adelaide - the Lions' last before the first Test, after a strong side has met the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Wednesday. Neither Foley nor O'Connor are involved with the AUNZ Invitational XV.
The 42
3 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
AUNZ finalise squad for Lions clash, Brumbies name ex-Connacht wing
LES KISS HAS confirmed his final AUNZ Invitational XV squad for Saturday's clash with the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide. Ex-Ireland assistant coach Kiss, who will succeed Joe Schmidt as Wallabies boss next year, will lead the AUNZ side for what will be the Lions' final warm-up game before their three-Test series against Australia. Many of the names in the AUNZ group had already been announced but the finalised 30-man squad has now been confirmed. New Zealand internationals David Havili, Shannon Frizell, Shaun Stevenson, Ngani Laumape, Hoskins Sotutu, and Folau Fakatava are among the stars, while there are several Wallabies involved, including Marika Koroibete, Lukhan Salakai-Loto, and Pete Samu. Among the final crop of players confirmed are Chiefs tighthead prop George Dyer and a number of players who have already impressed against the Lions in recent warm-up games, such as Waratahs wing Darby Lancaster and Reds back row Joe Brial. Advertisement AUNZ Invitational 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 Salakai-Loto, Mac Grealy, Marika Koroibete, Matt Philip, Ngani Laumape, Pete Samu, Richie Asiata, Seru Uru, Shannon Frizell, Shaun Stevenson, Tane Edmed. Former Connacht wing Ben O'Donnell. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO Meanwhile, Brumbies boss Stephen Larkham has named his matchday 23 to face the Lions on Wednesday in Canberra. Flanker Tom Hooper returns to the side having played off the bench for the Wallabies against Fiji on Sunday, while speedy wing Corey Toole, scrum-half Ryan Lonergan, openside Rory Scott, centre David Feliuai, and loosehead Lington Ieli are all part of the starting XV having recently trained with Joe Schmidt's national squad. Former Connacht wing Ben O'Donnell, who was with the Irish province from 2020 until 2022, starts on the right wing in what will be his final Brumbies appearance before joining French D2 club Aurillac. Tom Hooper's younger brother, Lachie, is set for his Brumbies debut off the bench, as is prop Cameron Orr. Brumbies (v Lions): 15. Andy Muirhead 14. Ben O'Donnell 13. Ollie Sapsford 12. David Feliuai 11. Corey Toole 10. Declan Meredith 9. Ryan Lonergan (captain) 1. Lington Ieli 2. Lachlan Lonergan 3. Rhys van Nek 4. Lachie Shaw 5. Cadeyrn Neville 6. Tom Hooper 7. Rory Scott 8. Tuaina Taii Tualima Replacements: 16. Liam Bowron 17. Cameron Orr 18. Feao Fotuaika 19. Lachie Hooper 20. Luke Reimer 21. Harrison Goddard 22. Jack Debreczeni 23. Hudson Creighton
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Kiwi flavour, Wallabies hopes in 36-year rugby first
Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss has shared the love in finalising the trans-Tasman squad he hopes can "do something special" against the British & Irish Lions ahead of the first Test. Kiss, who will take over from Joe Schmidt later next year, felt the full force of the Lions last Wednesday when his Queensland Reds led 12-7 but were trampled 52-12. He's handed 10 of those men, including halves Kalani Thomas and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, another possible shot at the Lions as part of his AUNZ Invitational XV squad to play on Saturday in Adelaide. But, unlike in the first and only combined side to play in 1989, there is a strong New Zealand flavour. Blues hooker Kurt Eklund and Chiefs prop George Dyer were confirmed on Monday, joining Crusaders captain David Havili and fellow All Blacks Aidan Ross, Folau Fakatava, Hoskins Sotutu, Ngani Laumape and Shannon Frizell in the squad. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marika Koroibete and Pete Samu had already been named while fringe Wallabies Angus Blyth, Darby Lancaster, Jock Campbell and Tane Edmed were among those Australians included for the Adelaide Oval clash. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Seru Uru, all genuine Wallabies chances to face the Lions later in the series, will push their cases in camp. In all, 18 players with a combined 300 international caps of experience will trot out on Saturday to provide a stern test to the Lions, who will have met the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday. Kiss will have the support of former All Blacks coach Ian Foster as well as Force boss Simon Cron and Reds assistant Zane Hilton. "There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to build this squad and it's exciting to see it come together," Kiss said. "We have quality coaches and a highly motivated group of players that represent the depth of talent across Australia and New Zealand. "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. "As the first AUNZ side to be assembled in 36 years, we have the chance to do something pretty special here in Adelaide." AUNZ Invitational 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. Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss has shared the love in finalising the trans-Tasman squad he hopes can "do something special" against the British & Irish Lions ahead of the first Test. Kiss, who will take over from Joe Schmidt later next year, felt the full force of the Lions last Wednesday when his Queensland Reds led 12-7 but were trampled 52-12. He's handed 10 of those men, including halves Kalani Thomas and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, another possible shot at the Lions as part of his AUNZ Invitational XV squad to play on Saturday in Adelaide. But, unlike in the first and only combined side to play in 1989, there is a strong New Zealand flavour. Blues hooker Kurt Eklund and Chiefs prop George Dyer were confirmed on Monday, joining Crusaders captain David Havili and fellow All Blacks Aidan Ross, Folau Fakatava, Hoskins Sotutu, Ngani Laumape and Shannon Frizell in the squad. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marika Koroibete and Pete Samu had already been named while fringe Wallabies Angus Blyth, Darby Lancaster, Jock Campbell and Tane Edmed were among those Australians included for the Adelaide Oval clash. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Seru Uru, all genuine Wallabies chances to face the Lions later in the series, will push their cases in camp. In all, 18 players with a combined 300 international caps of experience will trot out on Saturday to provide a stern test to the Lions, who will have met the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday. Kiss will have the support of former All Blacks coach Ian Foster as well as Force boss Simon Cron and Reds assistant Zane Hilton. "There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to build this squad and it's exciting to see it come together," Kiss said. "We have quality coaches and a highly motivated group of players that represent the depth of talent across Australia and New Zealand. "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. "As the first AUNZ side to be assembled in 36 years, we have the chance to do something pretty special here in Adelaide." AUNZ Invitational 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. Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss has shared the love in finalising the trans-Tasman squad he hopes can "do something special" against the British & Irish Lions ahead of the first Test. Kiss, who will take over from Joe Schmidt later next year, felt the full force of the Lions last Wednesday when his Queensland Reds led 12-7 but were trampled 52-12. He's handed 10 of those men, including halves Kalani Thomas and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, another possible shot at the Lions as part of his AUNZ Invitational XV squad to play on Saturday in Adelaide. But, unlike in the first and only combined side to play in 1989, there is a strong New Zealand flavour. Blues hooker Kurt Eklund and Chiefs prop George Dyer were confirmed on Monday, joining Crusaders captain David Havili and fellow All Blacks Aidan Ross, Folau Fakatava, Hoskins Sotutu, Ngani Laumape and Shannon Frizell in the squad. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marika Koroibete and Pete Samu had already been named while fringe Wallabies Angus Blyth, Darby Lancaster, Jock Campbell and Tane Edmed were among those Australians included for the Adelaide Oval clash. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Seru Uru, all genuine Wallabies chances to face the Lions later in the series, will push their cases in camp. In all, 18 players with a combined 300 international caps of experience will trot out on Saturday to provide a stern test to the Lions, who will have met the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday. Kiss will have the support of former All Blacks coach Ian Foster as well as Force boss Simon Cron and Reds assistant Zane Hilton. "There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to build this squad and it's exciting to see it come together," Kiss said. "We have quality coaches and a highly motivated group of players that represent the depth of talent across Australia and New Zealand. "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. "As the first AUNZ side to be assembled in 36 years, we have the chance to do something pretty special here in Adelaide." AUNZ Invitational 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.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Kiwi flavour, Wallabies hopes in 36-year rugby first
Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss has shared the love in finalising the trans-Tasman squad he hopes can "do something special" against the British & Irish Lions ahead of the first Test. Kiss, who will take over from Joe Schmidt later next year, felt the full force of the Lions last Wednesday when his Queensland Reds led 12-7 but were trampled 52-12. He's handed 10 of those men, including halves Kalani Thomas and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, another possible shot at the Lions as part of his AUNZ Invitational XV squad to play on Saturday in Adelaide. But, unlike in the first and only combined side to play in 1989, there is a strong New Zealand flavour. Blues hooker Kurt Eklund and Chiefs prop George Dyer were confirmed on Monday, joining Crusaders captain David Havili and fellow All Blacks Aidan Ross, Folau Fakatava, Hoskins Sotutu, Ngani Laumape and Shannon Frizell in the squad. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marika Koroibete and Pete Samu had already been named while fringe Wallabies Angus Blyth, Darby Lancaster, Jock Campbell and Tane Edmed were among those Australians included for the Adelaide Oval clash. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Seru Uru, all genuine Wallabies chances to face the Lions later in the series, will push their cases in camp. In all, 18 players with a combined 300 international caps of experience will trot out on Saturday to provide a stern test to the Lions, who will have met the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday. Kiss will have the support of former All Blacks coach Ian Foster as well as Force boss Simon Cron and Reds assistant Zane Hilton. "There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to build this squad and it's exciting to see it come together," Kiss said. "We have quality coaches and a highly motivated group of players that represent the depth of talent across Australia and New Zealand. "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. "As the first AUNZ side to be assembled in 36 years, we have the chance to do something pretty special here in Adelaide." AUNZ Invitational 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.
