Former Wallabee Cartley Beale is fighting in time for the First Nations and Pacific XV clash with the British Ireland Lions in Melbourne next month.
The 95 Test Wallabies were announced as a side headline just hours after news broke that was scraped from the tour opener between the Western Army and the Lions. Beale was scheduled to play fullback, but instead was ruled out by hamstring tension, forcing the Wallabies to release Bendonaldson into the game.
Meanwhile, fellow test stars Robleota and Selul were named alongside Beer and two of Australia’s brightest super rugby stars Andy Muirhead and Charlie Gamble.
Beal was a key figure for the Wallabies, who last faced the Lions with utility backs playing in all three Tests in 2013, but remembered with his most famous, miserable slip as he tried to kick a match-winning penalty at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in the opening test of the series.
Faced with the media in Perth ahead of the Lions Tour Opener on Saturday, Beale smiled as she answered the infamous slip question.
“No, look at your peers. It was obviously a real disappointment in one of those games. It’s an embarrassing moment, but there’s a lot of learning.” “From that day onwards, I’ve been wearing the studs now.
“At a key moment in the series, wasn’t it? I was really grateful that my strong teammates around me came to pick me up and focused on the next game in Game 2.
“It’s just a great game and it’s a great series, and I share the story with a lot of people on the team here.
He will be joined by Brumbies Star Wing and the proud Barunggam Man Muirhead on the backline.
Meanwhile, local leotas in Melbourne have the opportunity to represent Samoa and New Zealand heritage when paired with an XV jersey. The 21 Teststar was impressed after moving to Waratah for the 2025 season, but was removed from the Wallabies Fiji test team after announcing its move to the top 14 next season.
He is joined in the background with two Test Wallaby Uru and Waratahs gambling. The Fiji-born Uru pushed to the Super Rugby Pacific Final earlier this month, recently re-signing the side, playing a role in the Queensland Reds push as Gamble represents Tongan and New Zealand ancestors.
Former Wallaby and Tongan native Toutai Kefu coaches side sets to celebrate Pacific Island and First Nation cultures across the country. He is joined by Secorp Keep, Glen Ella and All Blacks legend Tana Umaga.
“Playing against the Lions in 2001 is a memory I will always treasure and I am excited to see a new generation experience the same feeling on behalf of all the players and staff,” Kef said.
“To represent many unique cultures in Australia and the Pacific on one side is a truly special opportunity for rugby and we know that players and staff have a deep sense of honor to take part in this match with the Lions between the first and second tests.
“In selecting Kurtley, Rob, Seru, Charlie and Andy, we demonstrated our intention to feature a highly competitive team against the Lions, who have gained experience both internationally and nationally, and who will deliver in a strong form on the Super Rugby Pacific side.