First Nations & Pasifika XV Demand Wallabies Showdown After Lions Thriller
You could feel the electricity in the air at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday night. A crowd of 30,000 was on hand to witness something more than just a midweek rugby match—it was the heart and soul of culture and pride on full display. The First Nations & Pasifika XV, a hastily assembled team of Indigenous Australians and Pasifika players, came within a whisker of pulling off what would’ve been the shock of the Lions 2025 tour, going down narrowly 24-19 to the British & Irish Lions.
What makes this even more remarkable is that the team had only come together a week prior. No long-term preparation, no warm-up matches. Just raw passion, cultural pride, and a fierce desire to represent their people. And it showed. For large stretches of the match, they were not just competitive—they dominated.
Rob Leota’s late try in the 70th minute brought the stadium to its feet and nearly tied the game. His message after the match was crystal clear: this team needs to live on, and they deserve a crack at the Wallabies. “A lot of these boys are fringe Wallabies players,” Leota said. “When you’re playing for your culture, it brings something out of you.”
Charlie Gamble, who was electric on the night and earned player of the match honors, echoed that call. “We could absolutely be the Wallabies’ warm-up opponent. Why not?” he asked. “We have something to prove.”
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There’s something deeply unifying about this side. Despite the rushed build-up, coach Toutai Kefu and his staff, including legends like Tana Umaga and Sekope Kepu, built a squad connected through tradition and brotherhood. A Samoan ava ceremony was held before the match to mark the moment. These weren’t just rugby players; they were ambassadors of their heritage.
Kurtley Beale, the team’s captain and a proud Darug man, believes this concept could be a fixture in the Australian rugby calendar. Whether it’s a regular matchup against the Māori All Blacks or as a Wallabies warm-up, he sees the bigger picture. “It’s definitely needed in our game,” he said. “This isn’t just about rugby—it’s about inspiring the next generation.”
And inspire they did.
Fans, players, and commentators alike are now wondering aloud: should this team be given more than just a cameo in Australia’s rugby story? Judging by the performance, the answer is yes. This wasn’t just a close call—it was a statement. The Wallabies, who were physically dominated in their first Test against the Lions, could benefit from facing a team that plays with spirit, connection, and fire.
The First Nations & Pasifika XV weren’t just proud representatives of their cultures—they were also incredibly good. And if Tuesday night was anything to go by, they’re just getting started. The Wallabies have been called out. The ball is now in Rugby Australia’s court.
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