Wallabies boosted by returning Rob Valetini and Will Skelton for second Lions Test
Australia were easily overpowered in the first half of the opening Test in Brisbane last week when, despite showing improvement in the second half, they could not make up for their slow start and finished 27-19 losers.
In front of an expected crowd of more than 80,000 at the MCG, Valetini will start at blindside flanker after overcoming a calf injury in a huge boost for the hosts.
The return of the John Eales medallist pushes Nick Champion de Crespigny out of the side after his debut last week. Skelton's recovery from his own calf injury forces Jeremy Williams onto the bench.
The only other change to the starting XV is David Porecki – who suffered a head knock against Fiji two weeks ago – replacing Matt Faessler at hooker, while backrower Langi Gleeson also returns from injury and replaces Tom Hooper on the bench.
After the team's training session in Melbourne's Lakeside Stadium on Thursday, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said the time spent in camp this week has been valuable as the team chases the quick improvement needed.
'The squad has recovered well after a very physical first Test and the week's preparation here in Melbourne has allowed us a bit more time together,' he said.
'We took some confidence from the second half last week, but we know we'll need to improve further against a Lions team that will bring plenty of fire to the contest on Saturday night.'
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No 10 Tom Lynagh and scrumhalf Jake Gordon have been retained, despite facing intense pressure from a ferocious Lions defence last week.
Some had expected Tate McDermott to be given a chance in the No 9 jersey given his Reds connection to Lynagh and his impressive performance off the bench last week, but Schmidt has retained the 26-year-old as an interchange weapon.
Melbourne product Harry Potter retains his place on the wing, while Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii remain Australia's centre pairing as the side aims to keep the series alive for a decider in Sydney the following week.
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