Historic Debut for First Nations-Pasifika XV

On Tuesday night at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne, history was made as the inaugural First Nations-Pasifika XV team took on the British and Irish Lions in a thrilling match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The combined team, representing First Nations people of Australia, Samoan, Fijian, Tongan, Māori, and Cook Islands heritage, pushed the touring Lions to the limit in a hard-fought contest that ended with a narrow 24-19 victory for the Lions.

From the outset, the Lions were expected to dominate, but the First Nations-Pasifika XV defied the odds. After falling behind 14-0 early in the first quarter, the team mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring two converted tries to draw level at halftime. Their resilience and determination made it clear that this was more than just a match—it was a celebration of unity, culture, and a new chapter in rugby history.

The First Nations-Pasifika XV, led by captain Kurtley Beale, showcased the talent and heart of Indigenous and Pasifika rugby players across the Pacific. Beale, who played a key role in the team's formation, expressed pride in the performance and the opportunity to represent their communities. 'It's a real special week this week to get to connect, and come out together and represent our families and our cultures,' he said. 'We came out and I thought we did what we said we were gonna do and that was to take the pressure to the Lions.'

Despite the Lions' eventual victory, the First Nations-Pasifika XV proved that they are more than just an invitational side. The match was a testament to the growing influence of Indigenous and Pasifika players in rugby, and Beale hopes the team can be retained for future international matches. 'There's so much talent here and I think it's a great thing for all the young First Nations and Pasifika players watching tonight, hopefully they can look at this jersey as something they can aspire to in future,' he said.

The match was not just about the scoreline—it was about the spirit of the players. Tongan heritage player Charlie Gamble, who was named player of the match, spoke about the team's determination. 'You see out there the players were fighting hard for each other,' he said. 'Down a couple of tries early but you saw the fight that we have, came back.'

The team featured a mix of seasoned professionals and rising stars. Among the players were Wallabies such as Taniela Tupou, Filipo Daugunu, and 95-Test veteran Kurtley Beale, as well as Fijian players like Mesake Doge and Ponipate Loganimasi. The First Nations-Pasifika XV scored three tries, with Triston Reilly, Seru Uru, and Rob Leota each crossing the line. The Lions, on the other hand, scored four tries, with Jamie Osborne, Darcy Graham, and Duhan van der Merwe each finding the try zone.

Despite a yellow card to Reilly that gave the Lions a numerical advantage, the First Nations-Pasifika XV continued to fight valiantly. Beale's conversion after Uru's try brought the score to 14-14 at halftime, setting the stage for a tense second half.

Lions captain Owen Farrell acknowledged the strength of their opponents. 'Massive credits must go to the First Nations-Pasifika boys,' he said. 'I thought they came after us tonight and they caused some trouble. It was a tough 60 minutes to be honest, that last half of the first half was difficult as well.'

The Lions will now turn their attention to their upcoming match against the Wallabies in Melbourne on Saturday. But for the First Nations-Pasifika XV, the legacy of this historic debut will live on, inspiring future generations of players and proving that rugby is not just a game—it's a platform for cultural pride and unity.