Ian Foster Leads AUNZ XV Against British and Irish Lions July 12

Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster has been confirmed as part of the coaching staff for the AUNZ Invitational XV, which will face the British and Irish Lions on July 12 in Adelaide. This match is seen as the final fixture before the first test against Australia in Brisbane on July 19. Foster expressed motivation stemming from the 2017 series against the Lions, which ended in a controversial draw, explaining a sense of 'unfinished business.' The Lions will also play a match against a First Nations and Pasifika XV on July 22 in Melbourne. The tour will feature nine matches across six cities over six weeks, starting in Perth on June 28. With half a million fans expected, ticket sales have been highly competitive, highlighting the excitement surrounding the tour.