AUNZ XV vs British and Irish Lions LIVE: Lions set for Adelaide test We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later. DismissSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footer Our network Open NavigationMenu Brisbane Times Brisbane Times Search Site Show subsections Western Australia Show subsections Bulls N' Bears The economy Banking & finance Small business Show subsections North America Middle East South America Show subsections Western Australia Show subsections Show subsections Rugby union Show subsections Tips & advice Show subsections Art & design Live reviews Show subsections Health & wellness Life & relationships Show subsections Destination guides Inspiration Reviews & advice Travel news Good Weekend Sunday Life Show subsections Super & retirement Planning & budgeting Environment Show subsections Conservation Climate change Sustainability Show subsections Video games The Sydney Morning Herald Brisbane Times The Australian Financial Review Commercial Real Estate Advertisement Rugby Union British & Irish Lions AUNZ XV vs British and Irish Lions LIVE: Lions set for Adelaide test By Jonathan Drennan Updated July 12, 2025 — 7.41pmfirst published at 7.31pm Log in, register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Latest posts Latest posts The AUNZ XV have arrived The Lions lineup Let’s break down this Lions team. Hugo Keenan has battled illness and a lack of form since arriving in Australia and a decent performance could see the Irish fullback lock up the number 15 jersey against the Wallabies. Jac Morgan is the last Welshman standing and has been outstanding at openside flanker. The Lions have been weak at the breakdown and he is a ready solution. He could thrive in Adelaide given Pete Samu is many things, but a specialist fetcher he is not. Finally, the Scottish centre partnership of Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu look to have missed out to Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki, but could a strong performance change Andy Farrell’s mind? Perhaps. Finally, the side is captained by Tadhg Beirne who has not been himself this tour, there is no better place to change it than in Adelaide. The AUNZ side have a Barbarians feel, the Lions are now infinitely more settled. After two stuttering performances against well-organised Waratahs and Brumbies defences, Adelaide could provide a lot more gaps. The AUNZ Invitational XV It is hard to dislike this side in terms of quality. New Reds teammates Aidan Ross and Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen get a chance to reunite after impressing in the first half for their club against the Lions in Brisbane. Brandon Paenga-Amosa is an elite scrummager and will add ballast to the side. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is the Australian captain and will feel he has a point to prove to Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt for a late dash for the second and third Tests. The backrowers are extremely strong as a unit, Pete Samu fresh from European glory with Bordeaux, paired with New Zealanders Shannon Frizell and Hoskins Sotutu. I’m excited to see how Folau Kakatava works with Tane Edmed in the halves and then in the backline, Marika Koroibete is playing with a smile on his face and the captain, David Havili has won a Super Rugby title for the Crusaders. The only thing this side has against them is preparation time and it’s been extremely limited. Advertisement Good evening Good evening everyone, it’s Jonathan Drennan on the blog from Sydney while my partner in the halves Iain Payten is bringing you his expertise direct from the stunning Adelaide Oval. Payto has resisted the considerable charms of Adelaide’s vineyards and churches and instead is set for the British and Irish Lions last hit out before the first Test in Brisbane. He will be sending his thoughts throughout the game. Tonight’s AUNZ XV is coached by future Wallabies coach Les Kiss and assisted by former All Blacks coach Ian Foster, it is an extremely strong team on paper, but whether it can gel together will soon become clear. According to colleagues down on the ground the AUNZ merch has been very popular amongst local New Zealand population and why shouldn’t it be? This is the first hit out for this team since 1989 and it’s fantasy rugby selections. Let’s get into it. Tane Edmed, Ngani Laumape and Marika Koroibete at AUNZ training.Credit: Rugby Australia Most Viewed in Sport Advertisement Back to top Brisbane Times Brisbane Times The Sydney Morning Herald The Australian Financial Review Classifieds Commercial Real Estate Brisbane Times Contact & support Advertise with us Newsletters Accessibility guide Photo sales Content licensing Work with us Terms of use Privacy policy Press Council Charter of Editorial Independence AI Editorial Guidelines Products & Services Subscription packages Subscriber FAQs Copyright © 2025