British and Irish Lions block Wallaby from midweek involvement in truly bizarre twist
Wallabies loose forward Pete Samu and an inset of him in action against the British and Irish Lions.
In a bizarre twist, the British and Irish Lions have blocked Pete Samu’s involvement in the First Nations and Pasifika XV team.
Following the first Test match between the Wallabies and Lions, Andy Farrell’s charges will play one final touring match against the invitational team coached by Toutai Kefu.
Pete Samu blocked
The fixture at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Tuesday has been pulled together to fill the void created by the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels.
However, despite being named in Kefu’s squad for the clash, Wallabies back-rower Samu has been blocked from taking on the tourists for a second time, having already faced the side in AUNZ XV colours.
This is according to a report by ROAR Sports, who state that the move risks damaging relationships between Rugby Australia and the British and Irish Lions.
Samu has just returned to Australia after winning the Investec Champions Cup with French club Bordeaux and has signed a two-year deal to join the Waratahs next season.
But because he did not feature in Super Rugby this year, the Lions put up the red light and blocked his involvement in the match.
It is reported that the tourists were granted final sign-off on the squad because of the change of the original fixture against the Rebels and have now exercised that right.
The 33-Test cap Wallaby was informed of the development on Thursday before disclosing the news to his teammates the following day.
Meanwhile, Wallabies Taniela Tupou and Filipo Daugunu, who were not selected in Joe Schmidt’s matchday 23 for the opening Test match, have linked up with the First Nations and Pasifika XV.
They are joined by Fijian Drua star Ponipate Loganimasi, who joined the side earlier this week.
After naming his team on Thursday, Lions head coach Farrell stated that next Tuesday’s match “would be a good fixture” for son Owen Farrell, after he missed out on selection for the first Test.
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First Nations & Pasifika XV squad
Forwards: George Blake, Mesake Doge, Feao Fotuaika, Lington Ieli, Marley Pearce, Taniela Tupou, Richie Asiata, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Darcy Swain, Mesake Vocevoce, Seru Uru, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Pete Samu, Tuaina Taii Tualima
Backs: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Harrison Goddard, Kalani Thomas, Kurtley Beale, Jack Debreczeni, David Feliuai, Lalakai Foketi, Isaac Henry, Jarrah McLeod, Filipo Daugunu, Andy Muirhead, Ponipate Loganimasi, Kye Oates, Triston Reilly