AU-NZ Invitational vs The Lions: Tips, odds, line-ups, prediction and how to watch

The British & Irish Lions are set to face their most formidable opponents yet on the 2025 tour as they clash with the Australia & New Zealand Invitational XV in Adelaide on Saturday.

This historic encounter marks the first time since 1989 that a combined AU-NZ side has assembled, featuring a lineup brimming with international experience.

For the Lions, this match serves as the final opportunity to fine-tune their squad and deliver a statement ahead of the Test series against Australia, as well the final chance for players to convince head coach Andy Farrell they are worthy of a place in the XV against the Wallabies in just over a week's time.

Check out the latest odds, line-ups and best bets for Saturday's encounter.

Head coach Farrell has rung the changes to Wednesday's team that beat the Brumbies, with Tadhg Beirne captaining the side.

Notably, Owen Farrell is set to make his tour debut off the bench after being drafted into the squad last week, while Fin Smith and Ben White form the starting half-back pairing. The back row boasts the talents of Henry Pollock, Jac Morgan, and Ben Earl, aiming to assert dominance at the breakdown.

The backline features a strong Scottish presence, including Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, and Duhan van der Merwe, with Hugo Keenan returning at full-back after recovering from illness.

The AU-NZ Invitational XV, coached by Les Kiss, presents a formidable challenge with 14 players possessing Test experience.

The squad includes eight former All Blacks and six Wallabies, such as Shannon Frizell, Pete Samu, and Marika Koroibete. Co-captains Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and David Havili bring leadership and skill to a side eager to make a statement.

Lions Starting XV: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben White; 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart, 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne (c), 6 Henry Pollock, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Ben Earl

Replacements: 16. Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Owen Farrell

AUNZ starting XV: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 AJ Lam, 13 Ngani Laumape, 12 David Havili (co-captain), 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Folau Fakatava, 1 Aidan Ross, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (co-captain), 5 Angus Blyth, 6 Shannon Frizell, 7 Pete Samu, 8 Hoskins Sotutu.

Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Joshua Fusitu’a, 18 George Dyer, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Joe Brial, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Jock Campbell.

The Lions have shown resilience throughout the tour, and with a strong lineup, they are poised to secure a victory.

However, the AU-NZ Invitational XV's experience and cohesion could keep the match competitive, just as the Brumbies did on Wednesday. Backing the Lions to win by a margin of 11-20 points, the margin of the last two games, offers value.

Both teams possess potent attacking options, suggesting a high-scoring affair.

With the Lions aiming to solidify combinations and the Invitational XV eager to showcase their talents, expect the total points to exceed 62.5.

The Scottish winger has been a consistent try-scoring threat and his place as a starting winger is not yet secured, so he will be out to build on his one try scored so far.

Given his form and the Lions' attacking structure, backing van der Merwe to cross the line at any time during the match is a solid bet.

• Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025

• Kick-off: 11:00 AM BST

• Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

• TV Coverage: Live on Sky Sports Main Event

View the latest rugby union odds here.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.