British and Irish Lions 2025: Kurtley Beale's advice to Wallabies after First Nations and Pasifika side almost produced historic upset
But he also said the team had been motivated by the treatment of Samu, who was selected for the team and trained early on, but had to withdraw after the Lions used their veto power to oppose him playing.
Garry Ringrose of the British & Irish Lions charges upfield. Credit: Getty Images
The agreement struck between RA and the Lions was Super Rugby players would be used in the FNP squad, and the Lions argued Samu didn't qualify given he has just returned from Bordeaux. RA argued Samu qualified given he has since joined the Waratahs.
Samu, who has Tongan heritage and was raised in Melbourne, stayed with the squad and ran water last night at Marvel. A section of the crowd had Samu face masks.
'Pete was originally down to play number eight and he'd already trained a few sessions with us, so to see the way he was displaced, I think was pretty poor,' Kefu said.
Pete Samu wearing the First Nations & Pasifika team kit. Credit: Getty Images for Rugby Australia
'Pete was fantastic, he got on with it, he was keen to hang around and help the boys prepare and the boys really felt for him.'
Kefu said Samu would have a big difference to the strength of the FNP side.
'The young kid (Tuaina Taii Tualima) that took his spot, he's got a big future, but Pete Samu is an experienced campaigner,' Kefu said.
'He's hungry and motivated to get back into the Wallaby jersey. He would have been great for us.'
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Asked if he felt disrespected by the Lions over the Samu situation, Kefu said it was a backhanded compliment.
'I think more respected because they didn't want him to play. So removing him would certainly de-power our team, so I thought they had a high level of respect for him.'
Lions coach Andy Farrell, who had previously washed his hands of the Samu veto, said the side had expected an emotional response from the FNP team.
'Do you know what, it's all well and good talking that type of situation up but when the whistle goes, you're just into it and that's what you'd expect from those guys,' he said.
'They're passionate people, proud of who they're representing and they were certainly a handful, physically this evening so again, fair play to them.'
Kefu said he would find a place for Salakaia-Loto and Taniela Tupou in the Wallabies squad after their powerhouse performances.
All nine 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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