Kurtley Beale will captain a star-studded First Nations and Pasifika XV in their mission to make history against the British & Irish Lions in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The 95-Test Wallaby was confirmed as skipper of a side stacked with Australian players of First Nations and Pacific Island heritage. The showdown at Docklands Stadium is the latest stop on the Lions’ unbeaten tour.

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Head coach Toutai Kefu – a former Test bruiser with 60 caps – believes his team has what it takes to snap the tourists’ winning streak.

“We want to win this game and make history,” said Kefu.

“The Lions have shown how strong they are, but we’re not here to make up the numbers.”

The powerful matchday squad features Wallabies tighthead Taniela Tupou, released from national duty, while Beale partners Kalani Thomas as the halfback pairing. Lalakai Foketi and David Feliuai combine in the midfield, with Filipo Daugunu, Triston Reilly and Andy Muirhead completing a potent back three.

Kefu said Beale was the clear choice to lead the side.

“Kurtley is the most experienced player in the squad and was the natural selection for captain. He’s been there and done it on the big stage.”

Controversially, Wallabies flanker Pete Samu was blocked from playing in the match by the Lions, who enforced a rule that players must have featured in last season’s Super Rugby.

Samu, who played in France for Bordeaux before recently signing for the Waratahs, was named in Kefu’s initial squad but has been forced to withdraw.

Your First Nations & Pasifika XV to take on The Lions 🔥

The team celebrates our First Nations peoples, Samoan, Fijian, Tongan, Māori, and Cook Island cultures that contribute so greatly to the fabric of Australian rugby.#LionsTour2025 pic.twitter.com/D2JCIVzveW

— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) July 20, 2025

Meanwhile, South African-born Scottish duo Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman headline the Lions match-23 for the Melbourne clash.

Owen Farrell starts in the midfield and will captain the side.

Our line up for Tuesday night in Melbourne! 🦁#Lions2025 #WeGoBeyond pic.twitter.com/Kpkh9ObEFU

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 21, 2025

FIRST NATIONS AND PASIFIKA XV — 15 Andy Muirhead, 14 Triston Reilly, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Kurtley Beale (c), 9 Kalani Thomas, 8 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Seru Uru, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Lington Ieli
Bench: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 Marley Pearce, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Harrison Goddard, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Jarrah McLeod

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS — 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Jamie Osborne, 12 Owen Farrell (c), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben White, 8 Henry Pollock, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Jac Morgan, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 James Ryan, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Jamie George, 1 Pierre Schoeman
Bench: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Tom Clarkson, 19 Gregor Brown, 20 Ben Earl, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Garry Ringrose

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: Michael Bradley/Getty Images