First Nations & Pasifika XV: 5 Players to Watch ahead of Lions tour clash

The Lions are enjoying an impressive run of form upon Australian soil, with six wins on the bounce against the four Super Rugby franchises, the Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV and in the all-important First Test. The Lions are riding a wave of momentum down the Sunshine Coast, having defeated the Wallabies for a 1-0 lead in the Test series this past Saturday in Brisbane.

The clash with the First Nations & Pasifika XV provides an opportunity for the mid-week Lions to flex their muscles, and put their hands up for a late push for the Test series squad. However, they look set to face a challenging opponent, with plenty of experienced Wallabies and Pacific Island stars occupying the ranks of the First Nations & Pasifika XV. Starting off with an all-time Australian great, here are the five players to watch, from the First Nations & Pasifika XV.

First Nations & Pasifika captain Kurtley Beale stands as one of Australian rugby’s most gifted and enduring figures, blending flair, resilience, and leadership throughout a career spanning nearly two decades. Hailing from New South Wales, Beale shot to prominence as a teenage prodigy as he captained the Australian Schoolboys in 2006 and was training with the Wallabies by the age 17.

He made his Super Rugby debut with the Waratahs in 2007 and went on to represent the Rebels, Wasps, Racing 92, and most recently, the Western Force following his arrival in 2024. His international career began in 2009 and culminated in 95 test caps for Australia, three Rugby World Cup appearances, and the prestigious John Eales Medal in 2011.

Beale's versatility as a fullback, fly-half, and centre made him a cornerstone of the Wallabies’ backline for over a decade. He featured prominently in the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour, notably slipping to miss a late penalty that decided the First Test, in a moment that came to define the series. Now 36, Beale returns to the Lions stage in 2025, captaining the First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne.

This symbolic fixture not only celebrates Indigenous and Pasifika heritage but also offers Beale a final chapter of redemption and pride against familiar foes. Despite injury setbacks, including a ruptured Achilles in 2024, his leadership and experience remain vital. With creativity, courage, and a deep cultural connection, Beale’s presence in this historic exhibition is both a celebration of his legacy and a powerful representation of rugby’s unifying spirit.

Taniela Tupou, famously dubbed the “Tongan Thor,” remains one of the most explosive and charismatic front-rowers in world rugby. Born in Tofoa, Tonga, Tupou first captured global attention with a viral schoolboy performance in New Zealand, as he scored three tries in a single match and sparking international interest. Tupou moved to Australia soon after, joining the Queensland Reds and qualified for Wallabies selection via residency.

He debuted for the Reds in 2016, going on to make over 100 appearances and winning the Pilecki Medal as players’ player in both 2020 and 2021. Tupou enjoyed a a seven year run in Brisbane, before signing with the Melbourne Rebels for a season, and finding a new home with the Waratahs following the Rebels collapse. Tupou made his Wallabies debut in 2017 and has since amassed over 50 caps caps, featuring in both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups. Known for his destructive scrummaging and bruising ball-carrying ability, Tupou has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s front row.

Today marks his second battle against the British & Irish Lions, as he features in his second of two high-profile midweek matches. First, he turned out for the Waratahs against the touring side, with this next crack coming for the First Nations & Pasifika XV. Currently left out of Joe Schmidt's Test squad, a solid shift against the Lions could propel Tupou back into contention for the 2nd and 3rd matches of the series.

Filipo Daugunu’s ascent from Labasa, Fiji to the Australian rugby stage is a testament to raw talent, determination, and game-breaking flair. Originally a footballer, Daugunu switched to rugby union in his late teens, representing Fiji U20 in 2015 before relocating to Brisbane. His explosive performances for Wests Bulldogs and Queensland Country, capped by a hat-trick in the 2017 NRC final, earned him a Super Rugby contract with the Queensland Reds in 2018.

Over six seasons, he tallied 22 tries in 69 matches, becoming a fan favourite for his speed and finishing power. A short stint with the Melbourne Rebels in 2024 showcased his versatility, featuring mostly at outside centre, before he re-signed with the Reds through to 2027. On the international stage, Daugunu debuted for the Wallabies in 2020 against New Zealand, scoring in his very first Test.

He returned to national colours in 2024 under Joe Schmidt, lighting up the series against Wales with two crucial tries before injury curtailed his season. With 11 caps to his name, Daugunu remains a dynamic presence in the Wallabies’ plans. Although he hasn’t yet faced the British & Irish Lions, after missing out on the Queensland Reds squad from earlier in the tour, he makes his debut against them in the 2025 exhibition for the First Nations & Pasifika XV.

Born in Lautoka, Fiji, Uru first made waves in high school rugby at Ratu Kadavulevu School, where he helped win the 2015 Deans Trophy, a national schoolboy title. He also represented Fiji in youth basketball, before relocating to Australia. Uru played club rugby for Power House in Melbourne before joining Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship. His consistent performances throughout 2019, earned him a Super Rugby contract with the Queensland Reds in 2020.

Since then, Uru has become a regular fixture in the Reds pack, clocking over 60 appearances and establishing himself as a dependable blindside flanker and lock. Known for his explosive ball-carrying, intelligent offloading, and lineout prowess, Uru has a tireless work rate and impact across the park. In 2024, under new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, Uru broke into the national squad and made his Test debut against South Africa in Perth, the first of his two caps to date.

Uru’s growing status has been further validated by his involvement in two mid-tour matches against the British & Irish Lions. He started for the Queensland Reds in their spirited Super Rugby clash with the tourists in Brisbane, abeit before the Lions ran away with a 52-12 triumph. Uru starts on the flank for the First Nations & Pasifika XV today, for a second shot at Andy Farrell's all-star side.

Uru has re-signed with the Reds through to 2026 and is widely regarded as a future mainstay in the Wallabies pack. His Lions tour appearances, though not in the Test series itself, reflect his readiness for top-level rugby and position him as a key figure in Australia’s next generation of forwards.

Lukhan Salakaia‑Loto, born in Auckland, New Zealand and raised in Australia, has become a key figure in Australian rugby. Starting his career with Randwick and making his Super Rugby debut for the Queensland Reds at 19, he accumulated 69 caps for the Brisbane side before a season-long stint with Northampton Saints in the Premiership.

Returning to Australia in 2024, he played for the Melbourne Rebels before rejoining the Reds in 2025. The lock marked hus Wallabies debut in 2017 against South Africa, and Salakaia-Loto has since earned 41 Test caps and was part of the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad. A dependable and versatile forward, Salakaia-Loto primarily plays lock but can cover back-row positions, combining strong lineout skills with powerful ball-carrying.

Salakai-Loto was a crucial member of the Reds’ 2021 Super Rugby AU title-winning team, as the unique Covid campaign saw the lock elevate his status with the Queensland leadership group. During the British & Irish Lions tour, Salakaia‑Loto started at lock for the Reds in their 52–12 loss and also co-captained the Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV in their heavy 48-0 whitwash. Salakaia-Loto gets a rare third shot at the Lions today, as he is set to start in the engine room for the First Nations & Pasifika XV.