We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

Pallade Veneta - Havili, Salakaia-Loto to lead Australia-New Zealand against Lions

Havili, Salakaia-Loto to lead Australia-New Zealand against Lions

SPORTS 10.07.2025
Havili, Salakaia-Loto to lead Australia-New Zealand against Lions
Havili, Salakaia-Loto to lead Australia-New Zealand against Lions / Photo: Sanka Vidanagama - AFP

David Havili and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto were on Thursday named co-captains of a "powerful" Australia-New Zealand combined side stacked with All Blacks and Wallabies to face the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide.

Change text size:

Coach Les Kiss picked 17 internationals in his matchday 23 for Saturday's final warm-up game for the Lions before they face Australia in the opening Test on July 19 in Brisbane.

Head coach Andy Farrell's side are unbeaten in four matches in Australia after wins over four Super Rugby sides, including 36-24 against ACT Brumbies on Wednesday in Canberra.

The Australia-New Zealand side, the first time the powerhouses have joined forces since 1989, could provide the Lions with their biggest test so far.

Every player in the starting XV has international caps, with Salakaia-Loto part of a Queensland Reds-heavy tight five alongside Aidan Ross, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen and Angus Blyth.

Former Bordeaux flanker Pete Samu starts at flanker, with All Blacks Shannon Frizell and Hoskins Sotutu completing the forward pack.

Havili, who recently led the Canterbury Crusaders to the Super Rugby title, is at inside centre alongside former All Blacks centre Ngani Laumape.

Shaun Stevenson will start at fullback.

"After speaking with all the players we thought the co-captaincy model with natural leaders like David and Lukhan would really suit this team and what we represent," said Kiss, who will succeed Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach next year and is being assisted by former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.

"This week has been building nicely and the boys have put a lot of time into getting to know each other.

"In forming new bonds, many of them have discovered they have more in common than they originally thought.

"We have named an experienced, powerful starting side for Saturday and we know our bench will make an impact when they get their opportunity."

AUNZ Invitational XV (15-1): Shaun Stevenson; AJ Lam, Ngani Laumape, David Havili (co-capt), Marika Koroibete; Tane Edmed, Folau Fakatava; Hoskins Sotutu, Pete Samu, Shannon Frizell; Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (co-capt), Angus Blyth; Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Aidan Ross

Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu'a, George Dyer, Matt Philip, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry Mclaughlin-Phillips, Jock Campbell

R.Lagomarsino--PV

Featured

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Dianna Russini Details 'Nightmare' Scandal Aftermath, Announces New Media Venture

Former NFL insider Dianna Russini has publicly addressed the intense personal fallout from her departure from The Athletic, describing the period as a "nightmare" that tested her family. Following months of public scrutiny and professional upheaval, Russini announced her return to sports media through a new streaming show and podcast contributions, citing renewed support from colleagues and family.

Change text size: