Following their thrilling 41-31 victory in Melbourne, the Classic Wallabies have named a star-studded squad to take on the British & Irish Legends in the highly anticipated second and final match of the 2025 Legends Series at the iconic North Sydney Oval.
With series glory on the line, both teams have made strategic changes to their lineups, promising another spectacular encounter at the venue that hosted the memorable sold-out clash between these sides in 2013.
Captain Adam Ashley-Cooper (121 caps) leads a Classic Wallabies side that has been bolstered by the inclusion of dual-code superstar Lote Tuqiri (67 caps), whose power will add a new dimension to their attacking arsenal.
The forward pack features significant changes, with Stephen Hoiles (16 caps) bringing his dynamic ball-handling skills to the number eight position, while Jacob Schatz (2 caps) and Hugh Pyle form a new-look second row combination.
Perhaps the most exciting addition comes on the bench, where Wallabies legend Stephen Larkham (102 caps) provides world-class playmaking depth. The former fly-half magician's presence adds another century-maker to a squad already featuring Ashley-Cooper and Matt Giteau (103 caps).
The Classic Wallabies bench is further strengthened by Sa'ia Fainga'a (36 caps) and the experienced Jeremy Paul (72 caps), while Rio 2016 Olympian Patrick McCutcheon brings his sevens expertise to the mix.
The visitors have made a statement selection in Wales and Lions legend Leigh Halfpenny (101 caps | Lions 2009, 2013, 2017) at fullback, where his goal-kicking prowess and defensive solidity will be crucial in their bid to level the series.
Captain Shane Byrne continues to lead from hooker, but the pack has been reshaped with Dave Ewers moving to number eight and Jackson Wray partnering Harry McNulty in the second row. Scotland's Sean Lamont (105 caps) shifts to outside centre, bringing his vast international experience to the midfield.
The bench features a trump card in Shane Williams (87 caps | Lions 2005, 2009), the Welsh wizard whose electric pace and finishing ability off the bench proved decisive in many Test matches during his illustrious career.
North Sydney Oval holds special significance for both teams, having been the venue for their last encounter in 2013, which drew a capacity crowd of 12,000. The ground's intimate atmosphere and rugby heritage make it the perfect setting for what promises to be a fitting finale to the 2025 Legends Series.
The Classic Wallabies will be looking to complete a clean sweep following their impressive 41-31 victory at AAMI Park, where their attacking flair and forward dominance proved too much for the visitors. However, the British & Irish Legends have shown their resilience by making key personnel changes and will be determined to level the series on one of rugby's most atmospheric grounds.
1. Gareth Hardy (Australia A)
2. James Hanson (Wallaby #865, 12 caps)
3. Laurie Weeks (Wallaby #882, 2 caps)
4. Jacob Schatz (Wallaby #884, 2 caps)
5. Hugh Pyle (Melbourne Rebels)
6. Beau Robinson (Wallaby #852, 1cap)
7. Matthew Hodgson (Wallaby #841, 11caps)
8. Stephen Hoiles (Wallaby #793, 16 caps)
9. Luke Burgess (Wallaby #821, 37 caps)
10. Matt Giteau (Wallaby #780, 103)
11. Lote Tuqiri (Wallaby #783, 67 caps)
12. Mike Harris (Wallaby #855, 10 caps)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Wallaby #800, 121 caps)
14. Taqele Naiyaravoro (Wallaby #802, 2 caps)
15. Mark Gerrard (Wallaby #797, 24 caps)
16. Sa’ia Fainga’a (Wallaby #840, 36 caps)
17. Jeremy Paul (Wallaby #744, 72 caps)
18. Nathan Charles (Wallaby #881, 4 caps)
19. Curtis Rona (Wallaby #912, 3 caps)
20. Ben Lucas (Australia U20)
21. Henry Speight (Wallaby #888, 19 caps)
22. Sam Payne (Wallaby #726, 7 caps)
23. Stephen Larkham (Wallaby #728, 102 caps)
24. David Croft (Wallaby #793, 5 caps)
25. Sam Scott-Young (Wallaby #690, 7 caps)
26. Patrick Howard (Wallaby #705, 20 caps)
27. Patrick McCutcheon (Australia Sevens, Rio 2016 Olympian)
28. Tom English (Australia Sevens)
29. Joseph Tomane (Wallaby #858, 17 caps)
1. Paul Doran-Jones (England, 6 caps)
2. Shane Byrne (Ireland, 41 caps | Lions, 2005)
3. Richard Barrington (Saracens)
4. Harry McNulty (Ireland Sevens)
5. Jackson Wray (Saracens)
6. Guy Thompson (Saracens)
7. Ryan Wilson (Scotland, 50 caps)
8. Dave Ewers (Exeter Chiefs)
9. Rory Lawson (Scotland, 31 caps)
10. Tom May (England, 2 caps)
11. Ben Gollings (England Sevens)
12. Ollie Smith (England, 5 caps | Lions, 2005)
13. Sean Lamont (Scotland, 105 caps)
14. Alex Cuthbert (Wales, 55 caps)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales, 101 caps | Lions 2009, 2013, 2017)
16. Jamie Hagan (Ireland, 1 cap)
17. Tom Court (Ireland, 32 caps | Lions, 2013)
18. Jonny Barrett (Saracens)
19. Oli Atkins (Edinburgh Rugby)
20. Jon Phillips (London Irish)
21. Petrus du Plessis (Saracens)
22. Shane Williams (Wales, 87 caps | Lions 2005, 2009)
23. Guy Butterworth (Old Albanian RFC)
24. Rhys Gill (Wales, 7 caps)
25. Ollie Phillips (England Sevens)
26. Alistair Ross (Edinburgh)
27. Archie Russell (London Scottish)
28. Craig Gilroy (Ireland, 10 caps)
29. James Smith (Exeter Chiefs)
30. Ben Woods (England, 2 Caps)
31. Sean McNulty (Ireland U20)
