EXCLUSIVE Ben Te'o: Rugby union and league must merge - and this is how they should do it
The 38-year-old former England rugby union centre is back in league as an assistant coach with the mighty Brisbane Broncos, after his first cross-code switch led to him having a key role in the 2017 tour of New Zealand as Lion #815.
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Why Alex Johnston might NOT be the NRL player that breaks Ken Irvine's long-standing try-scoring record
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Former NRL star facing serious criminal charges and Apprehended Violence Order 12 months after retiring
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The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Is Australia vs the British and Irish Lions on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch second Test
The British and Irish Lions bid to seal the series against Australia as the two sides clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Lions went 1-0 up with a strong win in the opening encounter in Brisbane, producing a strong start and withstanding a fightback from the Wallabies to secure a 27-19 victory. It makes this a must-win game for the hosts as they look to set up a decider in Sydney next Saturday, and Joe Schmidt's side are boosted by a couple of welcome returnees from injury. Andy Farrell, meanwhile, will hope his team can again Here's everything you need to know. When is Australia vs the Lions? The Wallabies host the Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday 26 July, with kick off scheduled for 11am BST. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports. A live stream will be available via Sky Go and NOW. Team news Australia are bolstered by the availability of Will Skelton, David Porecki and Rob Valetini, who all add quality and size to Joe Schmidt's forward pack. The Wallabies backline is unchanged from the first Test as Tom Lynagh is backed again at fly half. On the bench, Langi Gleeson is another welcome returnee as one of six forwards readied to make an impact. Tate McDermott, impressive in the first Test, and Ben Donaldson provide backline cover. The Lions are without Joe McCarthy after the lock sustained a foot injury during the first Test, with Ollie Chessum promoted from the bench to partner captain Maro Itoje. Bundee Aki comes in to midfield at the expense of the unfortunate Sione Tuipulotu, born in Melbourne but out with a tight hamstring. Garry Ringrose had been due to be stationed at outside centre but stood himself down after experiencing lingering symptoms of a concussion. Andrew Porter is preferred to Ellis Genge as the starting loosehead. Andy Farrell freshens up his bench after the unit failed to fire in Brisbane: James Ryan, Jac Morgan, Owen Farrell and Blair Kinghorn come in after starting the midweek win over the First Nations & Pasifika XV. Line-ups Australia XV: 1 James Slipper, 2 David Porecki, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Will Skelton; 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Tom Lynagh; 11 Harry Potter, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright. Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Carlo Tizzano; 22 Tate McDermott, 23 Ben Donaldson. Lions XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Jack Conan; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Finn Russell; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Hugo Keenan.
