Unfortunate All Blacks backlower Hoskins Sotutsu is one of the latest groups confirmed for Aunz Invitational XV, who will face the UK and Ireland Lions in Adelaide on Saturday week.
As reported by ESPN last week, Sotutu was waiting for his final insurance sign-off before he was announced. Blues No. 8 is joined by his Super Rugby teammate AJ Lamb and Queensland’s Reds Aidan Ross and Jeffrey Tohmaga Allen in the quartet of players announced Friday afternoon.
But it’s Sotutu’s inclusion that really draws attention, along with the backrower who hasn’t played for the All Blacks since 2022.
Fiji manager Mick Byrne is preparing his side for a clash with the Wallabies in Newcastle on Sunday, but said he recently spoke with Sotutu about changing his loyalty when it became available to the 26-year-old Fiji in December.
Adelaide’s big game against the Lions will only blow away Byrne’s appetite of having Sotutu on board, with Fiji in particular set to play in the top division of its first Nations Championship in 2026.
Meanwhile, Ross and Tohmagga Allen will get the second crack with the Lions after it began on the Reds’ frontline on Wednesday night when Queensland finally hangs 52-12.
Ross could still feature against the Wallabies’ Lions. The former Chiefs front row will qualify for the Wallabies from next weekend after not playing for the All Blacks for three years. He is born in Australia and will settle in Queensland after signing a two-year contract with the Reds.
1:31
Farrell defends son Owen’s Lions call-up
British and Ireland’s Lions coach Andy Farrell understands criticism of his decision to call out his son Owen, but says he insists that the veteran to replace the injured Elliot Daly is the right choice.
Meanwhile, outside the backlam, he scored 20 tries in 60 games for the Blues, playing alongside All Black Sboden Barrett, Caleb Clark and Lieko Ioan along the way.
He adds to the Ounz backline group, including all black David Havili, Ngani Raumape and Forau Whakatava.
However, Les Kiss’ coached team doesn’t have any well-known playmakers yet, making speculation that Wallabee veteran James O’Connor, 34, or 35-year-old Bernard Foley could still join the team.
There were no indications from Wallabee coach Joe Schmidt or Rugby Australia, but the duo’s age and insurance costs reportedly are key blocks of stumbling.
However, Wallabies’ Brandon Penga Amosa, Marika Koroybete and Pete Sam have been named to the team and will begin gathering in Adelaide this weekend.