Wallabies make three changes for must-win Lions Test at MCG
Desperate Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has recalled powerhouses Rob Valetini and Will Skelton into his starting side for the second Test against the British & Irish Lions.
Foreshadowing a brutal confrontation at the MCG, Schmidt has opted for a 6-2 bench split with Langi Gleeson coming onto the bench for the must-win match.
He's retained the same starting backline, with Tom Lynagh partnering Jake Gordon in the halves, and Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson the only two backline players on the pine.
Hooker Matt Faessler and flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny have been dropped from the squad that lost 27-19 in Brisbane, while Jeremy Williams moves to bench to accommodate Skelton's arrival.
Rob Valetini will return from injury for the second Lions Test. Picture: Getty
The addition of Skelton and Valetini adds much needed grunt to the Wallabies pack, who were comprehensively outmuscled in the opening three quarters of last weekend's game, before Australia made a comeback.
Australia's scrum was dominant, one of the few positives from the game, and so James Slipper has retained his starting spot at loosehead, with Angus Bell to come off the bench again.
Will Skelton is another huge inclusion for the Wallabies. Picture: AFP
The coaches have continued with the same front-row replacements of Billy Pollard, Bell and Tom Robertson, in what will be the Wallabies 700th Test match.
'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,' Schmidt 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.'
AUSSIE-BORN LIONS HERO RULED OUT OF SECOND TEST
By Julian Linden
Scotland's Melbourne-born centre Sione Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the British & Irish Lions team to face Australia in Saturday's second Test against the MCG.
Tuipulotu scored the opening try for the Lions in last week's first Test victory over the Wallabies in Brisbane but head coach Andy Farrell said he was unavailable because of a hamstring strain.
Sione Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the second Test with a hamstring injury. Picture: Getty
Ireland's Bundee Aki replaced Tuipulotu at inside centre in one of three changes to the Lions' starting lineup.
Ollie Chessum will start at lock after Joe McCarthy was ruled out with a foot injury while Andrew Porter got picked at loosehead prop ahead of Ellis Genge.
Farrell's son Owen was named on the bench four days after captaining the Lions in their win over the First Nations & Pasifika Invitational side.
Owen was originally not picked in the squad but got a late call up with Elliort Daly breaking his arm against Queensland.
Owen's recall was among four changes the Lions' made to their bench.
The head coach, Andy Farrell, said: 'We have put ourselves in a good position after the First Test, but we know there will be a massive reaction from this Wallaby team.
'Everyone saw the quality they have in Brisbane and we know we will have to be a lot better than we were last week.
'The opportunity to play in front of 100,000 supporters at the MCG, one of the world's most iconic stadiums, is what makes Lions Tours unique and special.
'And we know our Lions supporters will get behind the team on Saturday and create a fantastic atmosphere.'
Originally published as Wallabies recall heavyweight forwards Rob Valetini, Will Skelton for second Lions Test
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