**All Blacks Lined Up for Lions Clash as Feyi-Waboso Retains England Place Despite Ban**
Monday evening has delivered significant news from the world of rugby, with reports emerging that prominent New Zealand players are set to bolster the AusNZ invitational squad facing the British & Irish Lions next month. Simultaneously, England have confirmed their summer tour line-up, notably including Immanuel Feyi-Waboso despite his recent suspension.
According to sources from Australia, New Zealand internationals Hoskins Sotutu and Mark Tele’a are expected to be available for the hybrid team that will challenge Andy Farrell’s Lions in a high-profile fixture scheduled for 12 July in Adelaide. The team, co-managed by Queensland Reds head coach Les Kiss and former All Blacks boss Ian Foster, is set to draw deeply from New Zealand’s considerable rugby resources, potentially releasing up to six players.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that both Sotutu, a dynamic number eight for the Blues, and Tele’a, who has announced a move to Japan, are tipped to feature. The invitational side could be reinforced further by athletes of similar calibre, with other names under consideration including Xavier Numia, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Folau Fakatava, Josh Jacomb, AJ Lam, and Naitoa Ah Kuoi.
This latest development comes after Rugby Australia actively sought reinforcements from their New Zealand counterparts, submitting requests for specific positions and players. A move for 56-cap All Black Richie Mo’unga was thwarted by a broken hand sustained in Japan, but the interest demonstrates the high stakes and ambition for this one-off event against the Lions.
Notably, neither Sotutu nor Tele’a has been included in the squad named for Scott Robertson’s All Blacks this week. Asked if players would be released to take part in the invitational match, Robertson was receptive: “If it works, yes. We’ve had a couple of requests and, of course, we’ll work with them on it. I’m all about opportunities to play.”
On the England front, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s inclusion in Steve Borthwick’s 36-man touring party has also raised eyebrows. The talented Exeter wing, recently banned after a high tackle during England’s narrow 26-24 defeat to France XV, will miss the opening Tests against Argentina on 5 and 12 July. However, the 22-year-old could return for the United States fixture in Washington DC on 19 July, pending completion of a tackle technique course. Feyi-Waboso’s selection comes on the back of his remarkable strike rate for England, having scored five tries in just eight caps.
England’s touring squad will embark on a challenging summer, missing a host of Lions-call ups along with several experienced names who were unavailable for selection. Borthwick has included 10 uncapped players in a bid to provide valuable experience and drive squad development, with leadership to be shared by co-captains Jamie George and George Ford.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Borthwick emphasised the significance for both the team and its emerging talents. “This three-Test series presents a huge challenge, but also a vital opportunity for the continued growth of this group. Touring overseas for the first time is an invaluable experience for the younger players, helping to forge squad relationships and integrate new faces into the England environment,” he explained.
Elsewhere, British and Irish Lions assistant coach Simon Easterby has called on his team to quickly establish cohesion following a frustrating defeat by Argentina. The Lions landed in Perth still feeling the effects of a 28-24 loss in Dublin, with Andy Farrell branding the number of errors “unacceptable”. Turning their focus to their Australian tour, Easterby stressed the need for clarity and unity in both defence and structure as the Lions look to bounce back against Western Force this weekend.
The task in front of both the Lions and England underscores the demanding nature of international rugby tours, particularly with squads in transition and new faces stepping up. As the summer unfolds, focus will remain on how these teams adapt, integrate, and perform against tough opposition in what promises to be an exciting period in the rugby calendar.