AUNZ XV vs. Lions: In Play, Fame, and Spots in Wallabies and All Blacks

A successful night for the AUNZ Invitational XV could mean much more than a surprising victory over the British & Irish Lions at the Adelaide Oval. In addition to the possibility of international call-ups, a promising future is envisioned for this team. For the first time in 36 years, a combined team from Australia and New Zealand will take the field this Saturday night. This match, the last of the tour before the first Lions Test in Brisbane next week, represents a golden opportunity for both Wallabies and All Blacks hopefuls to impress the national selectors. The AUNZ XV, aiming to make an impact against the Lions and achieve the first victory on the Australian tour, has presented a stellar squad that includes Lukhan Salakai-Loto, Marika Koroibete, Hoskins Sotutu, and Pete Samu, all of whom are seeking a return to the international scene.

Every time they cross the chalk line, these guys are driven to succeed. There are some in the All Blacks’ orbit and others in the Wallabies’, so they will push their cases. For others, this is a very important life experience and the opportunity to take themselves to a higher level.

Cron

The Wallabies coach, Joe Schmidt, has already named his 36-player squad for the three-Test series, but the door always remains ajar for late call-ups.

Playing against the Lions is an incredible team with a lot of history and they have opportunities and every moment to step up and perform. The Wallabies and All Blacks coaches will be watching those guys so they can do it. We have guys on the team who will be outstanding tomorrow.

Cron

Meanwhile, a highly competitive showdown could transform this team into something more. Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster is already considering ideas to turn the team into a touring group, with Cron’s support for the continuity of the combined team.

I think it should continue, really, and Fozzy [Ian Foster] has some ideas about it, and I think he’s smart. It’s great to bring them together and combine the knowledge and skills of both groups and I’d love for it to continue.

Cron

Cron also dismissed any comparison with the historic Barbarians invitational team, saying the AUNZ XV team has treated the period leading up to Saturday night’s match as preparation for a test match, maintaining intensity on the field, while enjoying themselves off it.

It’s not Barbarians for us. I understand that Barbarians is definitely about fun on and off the field, and we’re definitely connecting and having fun, but I think we’re much more focused. These guys are fighting for international positions, international teams, two of the best in the world, so for us, it’s about giving them the opportunity to be the best they can be when they go out on the field. But at the same time, when they’re off, having a little free time, having a little fun. The guys are playing cards, playing games, nothing crazy, but it’s definitely different [from a Barbarians tour].

Cron