AUNZ XV vs British and Irish Lions LIVE: Lions set for Adelaide test
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7.30pm
The Lions lineup
Let's break down this Lions team.
Hugo Keenan has battled illness and a lack of form since arriving in Australia and a decent performance could see the Irish fullback lock up the number 15 jersey against the Wallabies.
Jac Morgan is the last Welshman standing and has been outstanding at openside flanker. The Lions have been weak at the breakdown and he is a ready solution. He could thrive in Adelaide given Pete Samu is many things, but a specialist fetcher he is not.
Finally, the Scottish centre partnership of Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu look to have missed out to Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki, but could a strong performance change Andy Farrell's mind? Perhaps.
Finally, the side is captained by Tadhg Beirne who has not been himself this tour, there is no better place to change it than in Adelaide.
The AUNZ side have a Barbarians feel, the Lions are now infinitely more settled. After two stuttering performances against well-organised Waratahs and Brumbies defences, Adelaide could provide a lot more gaps.
7.30pm
The AUNZ Invitational XV
It is hard to dislike this side in terms of quality.
New Reds teammates Aidan Ross and Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen get a chance to reunite after impressing in the first half for their club against the Lions in Brisbane.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa is an elite scrummager and will add ballast to the side.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is the Australian captain and will feel he has a point to prove to Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt for a late dash for the second and third Tests.
The backrowers are extremely strong as a unit, Pete Samu fresh from European glory with Bordeaux, paired with New Zealanders Shannon Frizell and Hoskins Sotutu.
I'm excited to see how Folau Kakatava works with Tane Edmed in the halves and then in the backline, Marika Koroibete is playing with a smile on his face and the captain, David Havili has won a Super Rugby title for the Crusaders.
The only thing this side has against them is preparation time and it's been extremely limited.
7.30pm
Good evening
Good evening everyone, it's Jonathan Drennan on the blog from Sydney while my partner in the halves Iain Payten is bringing you his expertise direct from the stunning Adelaide Oval.
Payto has resisted the considerable charms of Adelaide's vineyards and churches and instead is set for the British and Irish Lions last hit out before the first Test in Brisbane. He will be sending his thoughts throughout the game.
Tonight's AUNZ XV is coached by future Wallabies coach Les Kiss and assisted by former All Blacks coach Ian Foster, it is an extremely strong team on paper, but whether it can gel together will soon become clear.
According to colleagues down on the ground the AUNZ merch has been very popular amongst local New Zealand population and why shouldn't it be? This is the first hit out for this team since 1989 and it's fantasy rugby selections.
Let's get into it.
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