All Blacks in AUNZ Invitational XV Aim to Support Wallabies Coach Joe Schmidt

The inclusion of eight All Blacks in the AUNZ Invitational XV squad set to face the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide may serve a dual purpose: to provide a competitive challenge and to offer insights to Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, who is currently navigating a difficult phase with his team.

The Wallabies' recent 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle was far from convincing, and it has raised concerns about their readiness for the upcoming three-test series against the Lions. Schmidt, who previously served as an All Blacks assistant coach, has expressed doubts about his team's performance and is keen to build a foundation for a potential turnaround.

The AUNZ Invitational XV, featuring All Blacks David Havili, Shannon Frizell, Aidan Ross, Folau Fakatava, Hoskins Sotutu, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Ngani Laumape, and Shaun Stevenson, is expected to provide a high-level test for the Lions. This match could offer Schmidt valuable tactical and psychological insights ahead of the first test in Brisbane on July 19.

"We didn’t play well enough today for people to have the expectation that we’re going to come bowling into Brisbane and knock the Lions over," Schmidt said after the match against Fiji. "As I said, we’re just going to have to build that quiet resolve that inch by inch we can work our way toward that."

Les Kiss, the AUNZ XV coach, has assembled a squad that includes former All Blacks coach Ian Foster as an assistant. However, the absence of Richie Mo'unga, who suffered a hand injury in a recent club match in Japan, is a notable setback. Despite this, Kiss remains confident in the team's ability to field a competitive side.

"There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to build this squad and it's exciting to see it come together," Kiss said. "We have quality coaches and a highly motivated group of players that represent the depth of talent across Australia and New Zealand. Each of them has a lot to play for and there's a real sense of anticipation about the unique opportunity in front of us."

The AUNZ Invitational XV squad includes a mix of experienced and emerging talent, with players such as Marika Koroibete, Pete Samu, and Jock Campbell among others. This match marks the first time in 36 years that an AUNZ side has been assembled, and it presents a unique opportunity to showcase the combined strength of Australian and New Zealand rugby.

As the Wallabies prepare for their first test against the Lions, the AUNZ Invitational XV match in Adelaide could serve as a crucial stepping stone. The insights gained from this game may prove invaluable in shaping the Wallabies' strategy and mindset for the series ahead.