Les Kiss emblems the imposing Aunz Invitational XV to face the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide, including an ominous depth trio of Shannon Frisel, Pete Sam and Hoskins Sototou.
The team will be co-captured by Australia’s Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and title-winning crusade skipper David Havili.
Kiss announced his side Thursday afternoon. Tein Eddem nodded at No. 10 as One Test Wallabies would be one of the final opportunities to impress Joe Schmidt.
Schmidt will name the Wallabies squad to face the Lions on Friday, but Eddem was able to make a solid performance in Adelaide this weekend, allowing him to return to the Matchday 23 spot competition for his first Test in Brisbane.
Elsewhere, Kiss’ Matchday 23 includes 17 internationally capped players.
Aidan Ross, who is currently eligible to play for the Wallabies, has the front row alongside Brandon Paenga Amosa and Jeffrey Tohmaga Allen, with Angus Blythe joining Sarakaia Loto in the second row.
Folau Fakatava is combined with Edmed in Halves, while Havili’s midfield partner is Ngani Laumape.
The Back 3 consists of all black flyers, Sean Stevenson, Wallabee veteran Marika Coroy Bete and Powerhouse Blue Swinger AJ Lamb.
“After talking to all the players, I thought that co-captency models with natural leaders like David and Lucan would really fit this team and what we represent,” Kiss said.
“This week is well built and the boys have spent a lot of time getting to know each other.
“In forming new bonds, many of them discovered that they had more in common than they initially thought.
“We named our experienced and strong starting side on Saturday, and we know that our bench will have an impact when they have their opportunities.”
The Lions will nominate 23 on Thursday.
Australia and New Zealand have not been combined into the same team since 1989, but if the game succeeds in Adelaide, Aunz Fixture may not have such a long break.
Aunz Invitational XV
Stevenson, Aji Lam, I am Raumape, David Havili, Forune, Tane Edded and Forune Fata. Hoskins Sotutu, Pete Samu, Shanon Blyth, Lukhan Salaka, Lokhan Salaka, Lokhan Salaka, Bandona-Allen;
Alternatives: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, George Dyer, Matt Philip, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry Mclaughlin-Pillips, Jock Campbell.