Aaron Smith would jump at the chance to represent the AUNZ Invitational XV against the British & Irish Lions. The 2015 Rugby World Cup winner has also revealed that “three or four other All Blacks” have expressed an interest in playing in this historic fixture.
New Zealand and Australia will both put their sporting rivalry aside when they combine forces on the rugby field for the first time since the 1980s. Adelaide Oval boasts a capacity of more than 53,000 and will host the representative clash on July 12.
It was announced last week that former All Blacks coach Ian Foster would be involved with the AUNZ side as part of the team’s management staff. ‘Fossie’ would later namedrop the likes of Michael Hooper, Richie Mo’unga and Smith as potential candidates to suit up for the side.
Fans have continued to speculate on who they’d like to see featured in this representative side, with Smith shaping up as a leading option to wear the No. 9 jersey. The former All Black plays under Foster and Sir Steve Hansen at Toyota Verblitz in Japan.
Smith last played for New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final at Stade de France but is still playing high-level rugby in a star-studded Japan Rugby League One competition that also includes Faf de Klerk, Sam Cane, Cheslin Kolbe, Mo’unga and Hooper.
When asked about the possibility of playing for the AUNZ Invitational XV, Smith didn’t hesitate.
“There’s been more chats around it. I’ve only recently found out [Foster’s] doing it. He’s talked to me about it,” Smith told RugbyPass.
“Probably the funniest thing was getting a text from around three or four other All Blacks going, ‘What’s going on? Can we play or how do you play?’
“I think it’s still very much up in the air around who and what.
“There’s been murmurs, I’ve talked to a few boys, I’m not going to name names but they have said, ‘Hey, what’s the go? Are you going to play, or if you got asked would you play?’
“It’s just one of those things. When you get to this part of your career, those opportunities are hard to say no to and very rare.
“To think about the history of the ANZACs and what it means to our country. I was very blessed, my father got me very upskilled around ANZAC Day and what our men did for our country in the wars and showing remembrance.
“I just think that would be a really cool thing to be a part of if I was asked and if that opportunity comes. I’d take it very seriously if I was asked and give it my best.
“For me, it’d be a very special game to be a part of.”
Rugby Australia revealed Foster would be involved in the AUNZ coaching staff last week – but not necessarily as head coach – while confirming the full nine-game tour schedule for the Lions which includes a match against a First Nations & Pasifika XV on July 22.
After hosting Argentina at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, the Lions will head Down Under to face the Western Force in their first tour match. The Lions will take on all four Australian sides in Super Rugby Pacific, the AUNZ and First Nations & Pasifika teams, and play three Tests.
Last week’s announcement marked 100 days until the tour opener against the Force at Perth’s sporting Coliseum, Optus Stadium.
“It is fantastic to confirm the match schedule for the 2025 Tour with the added fixture against a First Nations & Pasifika XV at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium – a game that everyone at the Lions is hugely excited about,” Ben Calveley, CEO of the British & Irish Lions, said in a statement.
“With the Tour schedule confirmed, we are also excited to see the final ticket allocation released. Together, we are set to welcome more than half a million fans at games in 2025 for what will be an amazing spectacle in one of the greatest sporting countries in the world.
“For our own Lions supporters, Wallabies fans and global sporting fanatics, this is the last opportunity to purchase tickets and be part of what will be a truly special six weeks.”
