Veteran Beale to captain fired-up Pasifika XV against Lions

Veteran Kurtley Beale was appointed captain Sunday of a First Nations and Pasifika XV to face the British and Irish Lions, with coach Toutai Kefu adamant they can win the game.

The 36-year-old fly-half brings 95 tests of experience to the side made of Australians with First Nations or Pacific Island heritage.

They meet Andy Farrell's rampant Lions, who have won all six tour games in Australia so far, at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium on Tuesday.

"Kurtley is the most experienced player in the squad and was the natural selection for captain," said Kefu.

"He is an extremely talented footballer and has been there and done it on the big stage."

Kalani Thomas, who has had two appearances against the Lions already this tour for the Reds and AUNZ XV, lines up alongside Beale at scrum-half.

David Feliuai and Lalakai Foketi present a powerful partnership in the centres with Triston Reilly and Andy Muirhead completing the back three with Filipo Daugunu.

Hulking prop Taniela Tupou has been released from the Wallabies camp and will pack down in the front row with Brandon Paenga-Amosa and youngster Lington Ieli.

Darcy Swain and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto make up an experienced second row, while Seru Uru, Charlie Gamble and Tuaina Taii Tualima complete a versatile trio in the back.

"We're pleased with how it's come together and the boys have connected brilliantly so far," said Kefu, who played for Australia 60 times.

"The Lions have shown how strong they are on this tour. No matter who plays, they will be very hard to beat, but we're not here to make up the numbers.

"We want to win this game and make history."

On a sour note, the Wallabies' Pete Samu is absent after the Lions blocked him from playing.

The 33-test flanker was named in Kefu's initial squad last week, but the tourists insisted only those who played Super Rugby last season should be eligible.

Samu spent the last two years with French Top 14 side Bordeaux, signing for the Waratahs only recently.

The Lions are due to name their team on Monday.

First Nations and Pasifika XV (15-1):

Andy Muirhead; Triston Reilly, Lalakai Foketi, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu; Kurtley Beale (capt), Kalani Thomas; Tuaina Taii Tualima, Charlie Gamble, Seru Uru; Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Darcy Swain, Taniela Tupou; Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Lington Ieli

Replacements: Richie Asiata, Marley Pearce, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Rob Leota, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Jarrah McLeod