British and Irish Lions 2025: They buried Bledisloe beefs over beers. Now the AUNZ team are hunting Lions
'The way they bought into what we're about and the special occasion; and going about the business in a really professional way, but also enjoying each other's company.'
Salakaia-Loto, a red-blooded forward who admitted he has his fair share of rivals across the ditch, said the week had been 'special'.
'It's been easier than what people probably imagined it to be,' Salakaia-Loto said. 'Like Les said, we've just been connecting on and off the field.
'The best way to connect, I believe, is over a beer. I've had a few of the boys that I didn't like in the past, or didn't really know. But like Les said, we've got a lot in common, more than we think.
'It's been such a special week and something we look forward to doing, because it's an opportunity that we've got, and this team will never be formed again. We're all excited about the idea of that.'
But while they've used the Barbarians-style shortcut to bonding, Salakaia-Loto said the game would not be a meaningless hit and giggle.
'I've never been a part of the Baa Baas … but I would say it would mean a lot more, given the history between both nations,' he said.
Players warm up during AUNZ training. Credit: Getty Images
Havili said there was no hesitation from any of the Kiwi players about pulling on a jersey with so much gold and green, particularly with the lower black part hidden even further if players tuck it in. The jersey is a replica of the 1989 jersey, but the side will likely all wear black socks to up the Kiwi representation a bit more.
The Crusaders skipper said he'd enjoyed being on the same side as some Aussies during the week.
'They just see it a wee bit differently,' he said. 'Like, it's pretty similar, but it's the way they see the game's a wee bit different. The best thing for me is just connecting with the guys you don't get the opportunity to play with.
'You're always playing against them, like Lukhan said. Being out there with this guy on my team is pretty cool. It's not great when he's running down your channel, so to have him on my side for once is going to be awesome.'
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Kiss, Havili and Salakaia-Loto all endorsed the idea of the AUNZ team having a future as a combined side, and potentially including South African players.
Kiss said the side would not be extending the Barbarians' vibe into a freewheeling style, but they would give the players freedom to show all their skills. He said the New Zealand players had been brilliant in sharing ideas, and vice versa.
'I don't think anyone here's held back anything,' Kiss said. 'It's not a secret society thing at all. The camaraderie and the collaboration has been brilliant.'
All matches of The British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia are live & on demand on Stan Sport, with Wallabies Tests in 4K. All Test matches live and free on Channel 9 & 9Now.
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