As we come closer and closer to the British and Irish Lions tour, let’s take a closer look at one of the most intriguing fixtures on the touring calendar. On the 12th of July, the B&I Lions will face off against the AUNZ XV, an invitational side that has laid dormant since the Lions toured Australia in 1989. With the Melbourne Rebels sadly no longer in existence, this invitational side has been reformed and will be led by former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster. Foster now coaches in Japan Rugby League One with Toyota Verblitz,
While this invitational side will be comprised of New Zealand and Australian players, Foster was appointed to the role by Rugby Australia, meaning although there is already a Kiwi flavour to this team, don’t be surprised if Joe Schmidt and Rugby Australia use this fixture as a last chance saloon for Australian players on the fringes of selection.
Foster’s appointment is interesting and one would imagine his connection with the 2023 All Black contingent will mean we could see some tasty selections in store. This will be a careful balancing act of scouting possible Wallaby talent and big name players who can sell tickets.
Let’s take a look at the side Ian Foster could potentially select for the upcoming invitational fixture at the Adelaide Oval.
Loosehead: Alex Hodgman
The Queensland Reds loosehead may just be the perfect player for this fixture. Having previously represented both New Zealand and more recently Australia, Hodgman is the quintessential AUNZ player. The 31-year-old played 20 minutes off the bench for Joe Schmidt versus Georgia in July last year. He’s only started three games in SRP this year, meaning he’s slipping down the pecking order at club level, however this fixture could give Schmidt the opportunity to see him compete versus the Lions before the Tests kickoff.
Hooker: Nic Dolly
The Western Force hooker is another player who’s represented another nation having played for England once under Eddie Jones. However Dolly arrived in Perth Wallaby qualified due to the three years since he’s been capped. Dolly’s long blonde hair, bursting out from his scrum cap have been hard to miss, especially in his three try appearance versus the Drua. The hooking stocks are well stocked in Australia, but this game could Dolly a chance to push for inclusion.
Tighthead: Taniela Tupou
That’s right, the big man, the Tongan Thor has to settle for a place in the invitational side. For me, this is where Tupou’s performances have put him. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen anything like the form he’s shown in his early days. Injuries have played their part and it’s up to you whether you view his changes of scenery as a help or a hindrance. I think it’s time RA stop chasing Taniela’s upside and view him solely as the player he is today.
No.4: Josh Canham
The now Queensland Red has had a good start to SRP, showcasing his athleticism and skill set close to the defensive line. His handling has drawn in defenders and added another playmaking-esque threat to the Reds’ phase play attack. For me, he’s only just behind the incumbent pack of locks in Joe Schmidt’s earlier squads. He’ll get a chance to impress with the Reds versus the Lions on the 2nd of July, but this invitational fixture is just another opportunity for him to show his wares.
No.5: Brodie Retallick
If Foster can’t call the big man up then what’s the point in giving him the top job for the fixture! Retallick would inject some much needed established international quality to the fixture with the former All Black still lighting things up in Japan. Come on Fozzy, pick up the phone!
Blindside Flanker: Sean McMahon
I’ve never seen a fan base more enamoured over a player than Australians for Sean McMahon. What could have been eh? Well, with this AUNZ fixture in the books, this is the perfect opportunity for McMahon to make his return. The now 30-year-old has started 11 games for Tokyo Sungoliath this season and would have fans licking their lips.
Openside Flanker: Michael Hooper
Did someone just say Michael Hooper? The former Waratahs stalwart stepped away from rugby in a rather cryptic Instagram post that had fans diving deep into the bye-laws. It never felt as though the door was fully closed on rugby and Hooper has proved us right with a return to Ian Foster’s Toyota Verblitz side. Could we see a George Smith esque return for the former Wallaby captain? God I hope so.
Number 8: Hoskins Sotutu
If you won’t have him Scott Robertson, that’s ok, we will! The Blues number 8 has had his fair share of frustrations at international level with the former All Black now looking likely to defect to England to explore his chances of representing Steve Borthwick’s side. He looks set again to miss out on All Black selection meaning he would make a classy addition to the invitational side. Charlie Cale would have been included here but for the fact the Brumbies play the Lions on the Wednesday before the Adelaide game.
Scrumhalf: Aaron Smith
See “No.5: Brodie Retallick”. Aaron Smith is one the best scrumhalves of all time and had an incredible series versus the Lions in 2019. It would be brilliant to see him line out against them one last time.
Flyhalf: James O’Connor
The veteran outside back has made the move to Canterbury this year off the back of a congested depth chart in Queensland. Credit where credit is due, O’Connor has been a great addition to this Crusaders team who have seen a huge upswing in form this season following Rob Penney’s maiden campaign. O’Connor deserves the chance.
Left Wing: Mark Tele’a
The winger has sealed his international fate with his move to Japan confirmed only recently.I don’t think Scott Robertson will continue to invest valuable minutes into Tele’a now that he’s signed abroad. The current Blues winger has an incredible campaign for New Zealand during the 2023 RWC in France. His head coach at the time? Correct again! It was Ian Foster. Make it happen.
Centre Combination: Hamish Stewart & Sio Tomkinson
Hamish Stewart has played well this season after making his debut last year under Joe Schmidt. The former Queensland Reds number 10 has struck up a good partnership with New Zealander Sio Tomkinson at the Western Force. The Lions play Simon Cron’s Force side first up in their tour to Australia giving the two centres plenty of time to recover for the AUNZ game.
Right Wing: Tim Ryan
The Junkyard Dog has been a little less prolific in the try scoring charts this season than last year, but the 21-year-old would add another level of spice to the fixture. Joe Schmidt will be getting closer and closer to finalising his squad for the actual tests and this game could be Ryan’s last chance to impress.
Full Back: Shaun Stevenson
I’ve gone for X-factor talent across my back three. Shaun Stevenson’s long-term future with New Zealand Rugby is on thin thin ice following his rather abrupt release from the Chiefs to play for the Kubota Spears in Japan. The 28-year-old should have a fat book of All Blacks caps to his name, he’s an incredible finisher and would round out this team oh so sweetly.