The First Nations Pasifika XV have announced their inaugural side to face the British & Irish Lions in the final provincial match of the 2025 tour on Tuesday in Melbourne.
First Nations, Samoan, Fijian, Tongan, Māori, and Cook Island cultures are all set to be represented in the team, with 17 players of Pasifika origin and six First Nations stars.
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Among them is the inaugural captain, Kurtley Beale, who stars as flyhalf and officially confirms his second Lions series, with Filipo Daugunu, Tristan Reilly and Andy Muirhead completing the back three.
The team boasts ten players with international experience - nine Wallabies and a Flying Fijian - with nearly all the squad having already faced the Lions squad on tour.
Drua contingents Mesake Vocevoce and Mesake Doge, as well as 21-capped Wallaby Rob Leota will come off the bench, serving as handy support to a set piece featuring five Wallabies, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Taniela Tupou packing down in the front row.
Darcy Swain and Lukhan Salakia-Loto loom as a dangerous combination for the Lions in the second row - as will the loose forwards, with Seru Uru, Charlie Gamble and Tuaina Taii Tualima all named to start.
David Feliuai and Lalakai Foketi will complete the centre pairing, being well supported by a Brumbies heavy bench featuring Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni and Jarrah McLeod.
The combined squad boasts 278 caps of experience, and Kefu believes the squad can not only reverse the fortunes of previous provincial squads but also push the tourists even further.
“The team has a really nice feel to it, with a blend of not only youth and experience, but also cultures. We’re pleased with how it’s come together and the boys have connected brilliantly so far,” Kefu said.
“It’s an opportunity for the players involved to press their cases forward for higher honours, so everyone will be keen to make an impression.
“The Lions have shown how strong they are on this tour. No matter who plays, they will be very hard to beat, but we’re not here to make up the numbers.
“We want to win this game and make history.”
Kefu also singled out Beale for praise as captain, the 95-capped Wallaby veteran being the most-capped First Nations player of all time.
“Kurtley is the most experienced player in the squad and was the natural selection for captain," Kefu added.
"He is an extremely talented footballer and has been there and done it on the big stage.”
*(Name, cultural heritage, mob/village/tribe):
1. Lington Ieli (Fiji, Uma & Tabiang, Rabi)
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Samoa & Māori, Ngāti Porou, Te Rarawa, Fasito'outa
3. Taniela Tupou (Tonga, Vaini)
4. Darcy Swain (Samoa, Falelatai)
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Samoa, Faleula, Lepea, Faleapuna)
6. Seru Uru (Fiji, Namoli)
7. Charlie Gamble (Tonga, Neiafu, Vava'u)
8. Tuaina Taii Tualima (Samoa, Lauli'I, Falealupo)
9. Kalani Thomas (Māori, Ngāpuhi)
10. Kurtley Beale (C) (First Nations, Darug)
11. Filipo Daugunu (Fiji, Lakeba, Saqani)
12. David Feliuai (Samoa, Pu'apu'a, Samalae'ulu)
13. Lalakai Foketi (Māori & Tonga, Longomapu, Vava'u , Tainui, Maniapoto)
14. Triston Reilly (First Nations, Dunghutti, Wiradjuri)
15. Andy Muirhead (First Nations, Barunggam)
Replacements:
16. Richie Asiata (Samoa, Fasito'o, Satupa'itea, Saleimoa)
17. Marley Pearce (Māori & First Nations, Wardandi Noongar, Tainui)
18. Mesake Doge (Fiji, Daku, Nadogo, Mocuta)
19. Mesake Vocevoce (Fiji, Narewa, Nadi)
20. Rob Leota (Samoa, Avau, Samatau)
21. Harrison Goddard (First Nations, Darug , Murawari)
22. Jack Debreczeni (Cook Islands, Takitimu Titikaveka)
23, Jarrah McLeod (First Nations, Yuin)
