AUNZ Invitational XV coach Les Kiss has named a stacked side to face the British & Irish Lions on Saturday in Adelaide.
Every player in the starting side has international experience, with two further to come off the bench at the Adelaide Oval.
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Queensland Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Crusaders centre David Havili will co-captain the team, returning for the first time since 1989.
“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," Kiss said.
Salakaia-Loto headlines a Reds-heavy tight five, with hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa the only non-current Queensland despite starting his career in the maroon jersey.
Aidan Ross and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen reunite their partnership as the props, with Salakaia-Loto joined by Angus Blyth.
Former Bordeaux and Brumbies flanker Pete Samu returns to Australia at flanker, with Kiwi duo Shannon Frizell and Hoskins Sotutu completing the forward pack.
Folau Fakatava and Tane Edmed partner in the halves, with Havili joined by incoming Moana Pasifika midfielder Ngani Laumape.
Shaun Stevenson starts at fullback, with two-time John Eales Medalist Marike Koroibete and AJ Lam rounding out the starting team.
Matt Philip and Jock Campbell add international experience off the bench, with Kiwi trio Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusuti’a and George Dyer named as the replacement front-row,
The 23 is rounding out by promising Reds stars Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.
"This week has been building nicely and the boys have put a lot of time into getting to know each other,” Kiss added.
"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.”
7.30pm ACST Saturday 12 July, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
1. Aidan Ross
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
4. Angus Blyth
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (cc)
6. Shannon Frizell
7. Pete Samu
8. Hoskins Sotutu
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Tane Edmed
11. Marika Koroibete
12. David Havili (cc)
13. Ngani Laumape
14. AJ Lam
15. Shaun Stevenson
Replacements
16. Kurt Eklund
17. Joshua Fusitu’a
18. George Dyer
19. Matt Philip
20. Joe Brial
21. Kalani Thomas
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
23. Jock Campbell
Head Coach: Les Kiss
Assistant Coaches: Ian Foster, Simon Cron, Zane Hilton
