Former New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has accepted the challenge of leading a combined Australia/New Zealand rugby team against the British & Irish Lions this summer. The high-profile match is set for 12 July at Adelaide Oval, serving as the Lions' final warm-up before their Test series against Australia.

Unfinished Business from 2017

Foster, who was assistant coach during the 2017 Lions tour of New Zealand, still feels the sting of the controversial 15-15 draw in the third Test at Eden Park. The match ended in a series tie after French referee Romain Poite's crucial 78th-minute decision to award a scrum instead of a penalty to the All Blacks.

"There is unfinished business," Foster admitted. "The last-minute drama, the referee's decision that we disagreed with—it left none of us satisfied."

A New Challenge in Adelaide

This July, Foster will have the opportunity to craft a unique team blending Australian and New Zealand talent. He envisions a squad composed of 60% Australians and 40% New Zealanders, mixing young rising stars with experienced veterans.

"Maybe we'll have some younger Australian players alongside older heads, ex-All Blacks, and former Wallabies," Foster said. "The combination of youth and experience is key."

Potential Stars

Among the players potentially available are former All Blacks Richie Mo'unga, Shannon Frizell, and Ngani Laumape, who are currently playing in Japan and ineligible for the national team.

Full Fixture List

The British & Irish Lions' 2025 tour schedule includes:

• 28 June: vs Western Force, Perth
• 2 July: vs Queensland Reds, Brisbane
• 5 July: vs New South Wales Waratahs, Sydney
• 9 July: vs ACT Brumbies, Canberra
• 12 July: vs Invitational Australia & NZ XV, Adelaide
• 19 July: First Test, Brisbane
• 22 July: vs First Nations and Pasifika XV, Melbourne
• 26 July: Second Test, Melbourne
• 2 August: Third Test, Sydney

A Broader Legacy

This match against the combined Australia/NZ team adds a unique chapter to the Lions' storied history, offering Foster a chance to rewrite the narrative of 2017 and showcase rugby's unity across borders.