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Sydney Morning Herald
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
The snub fuelling First Nations and Pasifika team in battle with Lions
'We all had similar stories. We didn't come from the most wealthy backgrounds, and our parents did as much as they could to put each of us in a position where we could excel in our life ... so in that sense, we definitely connected a lot.' The odds are stacked against the First Nations and Pasifika side due to their limited preparation together and given the ruthless manner in which the Lions took apart the more vaunted AUNZ side. Meanwhile, star prop Taniela Tupou said he is 'at peace' if the Marvel Stadium clash is his last game in Australia. Tupou, who was released from the Wallabies camp to play for the First Nations and Pasifika team, has signed a two-year deal to play for Racing 92 in France at the end of his current contract. There is strong speculation Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt won't call on overseas-bound players for the Rugby Championship, and there would then be no certainty around Tupou's involvement in the Rugby World Cup in 2027. 'Look, I'm here having fun, enjoying it, whatever happens, happens,' Tupou said of his Test future. 'So if I'm back, I'm back and if not, I'm living life, I'm enjoying it. Just play my footy tomorrow and then see what happens after that ... hopefully I will play again, if not, then I'm at peace with it.' The Lions, who named a strong team with Owen Farrell as captain, have spoken about going undefeated on their tour of Australia. But they've also called in five players just to play in this fixture, to protect Test stars. Asked if the First Nations and Pasifika players felt like they being underestimated, hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa said: 'We know that, we know that very well, we know that they're not really focused on us, and that's okay. 'I guess we don't really want to talk about it too much, we just want to show them what we're made of and what we can do - what we've got essentially,' he said. Paenga-Amosa said the side would need more than a free-flowing Barbarians-style approach to beat the Lions. Gamble and his teammates watched the AUNZ team's 48-point defeat in Adelaide and are motivated to put in a superior performance to create a legacy for the First Nations and Pasifika squad that could follow them on the Lions next tour of Australia.
The Age
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Age
The snub fuelling First Nations and Pasifika team in battle with Lions
'We all had similar stories. We didn't come from the most wealthy backgrounds, and our parents did as much as they could to put each of us in a position where we could excel in our life ... so in that sense, we definitely connected a lot.' The odds are stacked against the First Nations and Pasifika side due to their limited preparation together and given the ruthless manner in which the Lions took apart the more vaunted AUNZ side. Meanwhile, star prop Taniela Tupou said he is 'at peace' if the Marvel Stadium clash is his last game in Australia. Tupou, who was released from the Wallabies camp to play for the First Nations and Pasifika team, has signed a two-year deal to play for Racing 92 in France at the end of his current contract. There is strong speculation Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt won't call on overseas-bound players for the Rugby Championship, and there would then be no certainty around Tupou's involvement in the Rugby World Cup in 2027. 'Look, I'm here having fun, enjoying it, whatever happens, happens,' Tupou said of his Test future. 'So if I'm back, I'm back and if not, I'm living life, I'm enjoying it. Just play my footy tomorrow and then see what happens after that ... hopefully I will play again, if not, then I'm at peace with it.' The Lions, who named a strong team with Owen Farrell as captain, have spoken about going undefeated on their tour of Australia. But they've also called in five players just to play in this fixture, to protect Test stars. Asked if the First Nations and Pasifika players felt like they being underestimated, hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa said: 'We know that, we know that very well, we know that they're not really focused on us, and that's okay. 'I guess we don't really want to talk about it too much, we just want to show them what we're made of and what we can do - what we've got essentially,' he said. Paenga-Amosa said the side would need more than a free-flowing Barbarians-style approach to beat the Lions. Gamble and his teammates watched the AUNZ team's 48-point defeat in Adelaide and are motivated to put in a superior performance to create a legacy for the First Nations and Pasifika squad that could follow them on the Lions next tour of Australia.
Sydney Morning Herald
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
British and Irish Lions 2025: They buried Bledisloe beefs over beers. Now the AUNZ team are hunting Lions
'There's been a lot of work behind the scenes definitely to get this together,' Kiss said. 'And I couldn't be happier. I'm not surprised by the quality we have there. '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.' Loading 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. Follow all the action of the British and Irish Lions tour with news and analysis from Australia's best rugby writers. Sign up here to receive special Rolling Maul editions of our Sport newsletter.
