**British & Irish Lions Gear Up for Final Test Warm-Up Against AUNZ XV: How to Watch, Team News, and Key Details**
Fans of international rugby can look forward to a thrilling clash this Saturday, as the British & Irish Lions take on the Australian and New Zealand Invitational XV (AUNZ XV) in their final preparatory match before the much-anticipated series of Tests against Australia. The encounter promises to deliver high-quality rugby, offering the Lions one last opportunity to fine-tune their squad and strategies ahead of the first Test.
This unique fixture is scheduled to take place in Adelaide, kicking off at 11am UK time on Saturday, 12 July. The Lions, under the leadership of head coach Andy Farrell, will be eager to maintain their momentum, having bounced back from an initial defeat to Argentina and stringing together a sequence of impressive wins during the tour. The AUNZ XV, meanwhile, showcase an enticing blend of talent from both Australia and New Zealand, giving fans the rare treat of seeing stars from traditional rugby rivals unite on the field.
The invitational side is notably stacked with international experience. Eight current or former All Blacks have been named in the AUNZ XV squad, including influential players such as David Havili and Hoskins Sotutu. The squad is further bolstered by the inclusion of familiar Wallaby faces like Marika Koroibete, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto—who will captain the side—and Pete Samu. Given the calibre of players on display, both teams can expect a contest of near-Test match intensity.
On the Lions’ side, Andy Farrell has opted for a balanced team that blends experience with emerging talent. Recent call-up and seasoned tour veteran Owen Farrell is set to feature among the substitutes, ready to provide impact off the bench should he be needed. Welshman Jac Morgan, whose performances have been continually impressive, will have one last chance to stake a claim for a starting berth when the Test series begins in earnest.
UK viewers hoping to catch the action live will find coverage on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, with the match also available for live streaming via the Sky Go app for mobile devices and laptops. Sky Sports remains the home of the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, delivering all the Test matches and warm-up fixtures as part of their Essential TV and Sky Sports package.
Team line-ups for Saturday’s game have been released, offering a glimpse into how both sides plan to approach this intriguing contest. The Lions start with the likes of Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, and the electric Duhan van der Merwe in the backline, with Fin Smith orchestrating play at fly-half. Up front, Tadhg Beirne captains a pack that also features Jac Morgan. Their replacements’ bench, including the likes of Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell, provides ample firepower for the latter stages.
AUNZ XV respond with Shaun Stevenson at full-back, a midfield bolstered by Ngani Laumape and David Havili, and a dynamic back row featuring Frizell, Samu, and Sotutu. For both teams, the fixture represents a pivotal moment: an opportunity to consolidate partnerships, test combinations, and push for selection in the starting line-ups for the upcoming Test series.
The officiating team for the match includes referee Andrea Piardi, with support from assistant referees Nika Amashukeli and Pierre Brousset. Eric Gauzins will serve as TMO, assisting in ensuring that major decisions are made with the benefit of technology.
After Saturday’s match, the Lions will have a short break before the tour resumes with a midweek fixture against the First Nations and Pasifika XV, followed by a pair of back-to-back Tests which will ultimately decide the outcome of their Australian adventure.
For supporters on both sides of the globe, this weekend’s game in Adelaide is seen as a true litmus test. The coming together of top Antipodean talent against the best of Britain and Ireland is a rare sporting spectacle—one that promises drama, intensity and significant implications for the Test series to come.
As the Lions attempt to cement their squad selections, and with both teams eager to make a statement, fans can expect a captivating contest brimming with world-class rugby talent, broadcast live for supporters across the United Kingdom and beyond.