Former Wallaby snubs Barretts, Taukei'aho in combined ANZAC XV

Wallabies legend Tim Horan has sensationally snubbed the Barrett brothers and world-class hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho from his hypothetical ANZAC XV to take on the British and Irish Lions.

Australia and New Zealand haven’t combined forces on the rugby field since the Lions’ 1989 tour Down Under, when the best players in the world went head-to head in Brisbane.

Wallabies legend Nick Farr-Jones captained the side, which included fellow greats David Campese, Michael Lynagh and All Black Steve McDowall.

But the Lions emerged victorious, having won the historic encounter 19-15 in front of a vibrant crowd at Ballymore.

It was revealed late last year that Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan had “talked to the Kiwis” about fielding an ANZAC team in 2025.

While the match is yet to be confirmed, it’s clearly a popular concept.

Two-time Rugby World Cup winning Wallaby Tim Horan said he’d “love to see” an ANZAC team take on the Lions in a couple of years time.

“I’d love to see it work,” Horan said on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven.

“It happened in 1989 when the Lions came out. It was sort of the unofficial fourth Test.

“The hard thing about it is where you schedule the game and I think Rugby Australia are talking to the Kiwis at the moment about this potential game.

“How can you fit it in? I don’t think you should play it after the third Test because after the third Test, the moment’s gone.”

Horan has selected a selected an even split in his hypothetical ANZAC XV – well, as even as you can get when you pick 15 players from two nations.

The former Wallaby selected seven Australian players in his starting side – including four forwards – and eight All Blacks.

But some of the best players in New Zealand have been omitted from the line-up.

All three Barrett brothers have been left out of the side – although Beauden is set to head overseas to Japan next year, so he could potentially be ineligible.

However, the same rules would then apply to Japan-bound Ardie Savea Richie Mo’unga, who Horan named at openside flanker and first five.

Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho has also been left out of the starting side, with Hurricanes No. 2 Asafo Aumua getting the nod.

Horan has selected Wallabies Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou in the front row alongside Aumua, and included one player from either nation in the second row.

Brumbies lock Nick Frost has been selected ahead of Crusaders captain Scott Barrett, who recently signed through until the end of 2025, and would pack down alongside Tupou Vaa’i in this side.

As for the backrow, Ethan Blackadder would start at blindside flanker in Horan’s team, which is interesting considering he’s yet to nail down his place in the All Blacks’ starting side. Ardie Savea and Rob Valetini have also been included.

Tate McDermott and Richie Mo’unga would partner each other in the halves, while Samu Kerevi and Rieko Ioane would make up the midfield.

Wallaby Marika Koroibete would line up in the No. 11 jersey alongside Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan in the back three.

Tim Horan’s ANZAC XV

15. Will Jordan (All Blacks)

14. Caleb Clarke (All Blacks)

13. Rieko Ioane (All Blacks)

12. Samu Kerevi (Wallabies)

11. Marika Koroibete (Wallabies)

10. Richie Mo’unga (All Blacks)

9. Tate McDermott (Wallabies)

1. Angus Bell (Wallabies)

2. Asafo Aumua (All Blacks)

3. Taniela Tupou (Wallabies)

4. Nick Frost (Wallabies)

5. Tupou Vaa’i (All Blacks)

6. Ethan Blackadder (All Blacks)

7. Ardie Savea (All Blacks)

8. Rob Valetini (Wallabies)