Sotutu and Lam Bolster AUNZ XV: Challenge Against the Lions Intensifies

All Blacks player Hoskins Sotutu joins the AUNZ Invitational XV team to face the British & Irish Lions in Adelaide. Sotutu, who hasn’t played for the All Blacks since 2022, could change his international eligibility to play for Fiji or England. Fiji coach Mick Byrne has spoken to Sotutu about the possibility of him playing for Fiji, as he will be available in December.

A big game against the Lions in Adelaide would only increase Byrne’s interest in having Sotutu, especially since Fiji will play in the top division of the inaugural Nations Championship in 2026.

Mick Byrne, Fiji coach

In addition to Sotutu, AJ Lam, a Super Rugby teammate, and Queensland Reds forwards Aidan Ross and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen join the team. Ross and Toomaga-Allen will have the opportunity to face the Lions after playing for the Reds. Ross could play for the Wallabies against the Lions, as he is eligible from next weekend.

The British & Irish Lions coach, Andy Farrell, defends the call-up of his son Owen. Lam has scored 20 tries in 60 matches with the Blues. The AUNZ team also includes All Blacks David Havili, Ngani Laumape, and Folau Fakatava. The team led by Les Kiss still doesn’t have a playmaker, which generates speculation about the possible incorporation of Wallabies veterans James O’Connor or Bernard Foley.

Hoskins Sotutu joins the AUNZ Invitational XV. The Wallabies Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marika Koroibete, and Pete Samu have been named in the team.