Four All Blacks are the first names called up to the AUNZ Invitational XV squad to take on the British and Irish Lions at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, July 12.
AUNZ Head Coach Les Kiss will lead the first combined Australia-New Zealand team since 1989 in what will be the Lions’ final match before the Test series against the Wallabies.
Shannon Frizell, Shaun Stevenson, David Havili and Folau Fakatava were named on Monday with the remainder of the squad to be announced “in due course”, according to a Rugby Australia statement.
“There is plenty of excitement about this fixture, and that’s been demonstrated by the number of quality international players eager to be involved,” said Rugby Australia Director of High Performance, Peter Horne.
“We are delighted with the quality of the New Zealand contingent announced today and look forward to naming more players as the squad comes together.
“We want this team to entertain the big Adelaide crowd and provide the Lions with a tough contest as they head into their three-Test series with the Wallabies.
“The last time the Lions played a combined Australia-New Zealand side, it went right down to the wire – and we’re hoping to deliver another competitive contest.”
RA said the AUNZ squad will assemble in Adelaide this weekend to begin preparations for the game.
