Valetini returns for Wallabies in crunch second Lions Test

eNCA

6 days ago

MELBOURNE - Rob Valetini was named in Australia's side for the second Test against the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne, a big boost for the Wallabies ahead of a clash they must win to keep the series alive.
Back-row marauder Valetini, hooker David Porecki and lock Will Skelton all return from injury to add physicality to a Wallabies side outmuscled as a hardened Lions won the opening Test 27-19 in Brisbane.
There were no major selection surprises, with coach Joe Schmidt sticking with an unchanged backline for Saturday's match in front of an estimated 90,000 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Valetini, awarded Australia's best player in each of the past two years, has recovered from a calf injury and will add power and strong ball carrying.
The 26-year-old replaces Nick Champion De Crespigny, who was a surprise selection for the opening Test and impressed on debut with ferocious tackling.
Even though he completed a full training block this week, Valetini is unlikely to play the full 80 minutes.
"He tends to play full games for us, but I doubt whether that's going to be the case," Schmidt said.
"He's been incredibly resilient, one of those players who finds a bit in reserve.
"So we'll get to half time, have a look at how he's travelling and then during the second half, again, see how he's travelling."
Imposing lock Skelton will slot into the number five shirt while Porecki returns after suffering a concussion in the 21-18 win against Fiji at the start of the month.