British and Irish Lions news: Andy Farrell reinforces his squad for Test two, Valetini returns for Australia

By Aidan Leo

Head coach Andy Farrell has called on reinforcements for the second Test against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday, July 26.

Notable, experienced names such as Bundee Aki and Andrew Porter return to the match-day 23.

Australia, meanwhile, have received a lifeline with the returns of Rob Valetini and Will Skelton.

The two are integral figures in shoring up a defence overwhelmed by the Lions’ onslaught in the first Test.

Farrell’s reinforcements

With Porter looking to lead the Lions’ offensive-scrum dominance, he is joined by his imposing Ireland front-row duo, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong.

The physical presence of Aki replaces inside-centre Sione Tuipulotu, with the latter ruled out due to a tight hamstring.

Additionally, the expressive Huw Jones continues at outside-centre, with Garry Ringrose pulling out of the squad after initially being selected, due to persisting concussion issues.

The back row were particularly superior in the first Test, with Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, and Jack Conan all retaining their places.

They could potentially be bolstered by the versatile Ollie Chessum in the second half, who is selected in the second row alongside captain Maro Itoje.

Chessum has shown he can cover at loose forward if needed.

The sole Welsh representative, Jac Morgan, starts on the bench. 

He’ll look to bring plenty of energy in the final quarter, particularly in his hunting of breakdowns.

After illustrating authoritative game management and tempo control against the First Nations & Pasifika XV, Owen Farrell will aim to see the game out effectively off the bench, likely replacing Finn Russell.

The latter continues alongside scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park.

The two’s commanding, assertive presence and experience kept the game out of reach for the Wallabies in the first Test.

Valetini, Skelton bring bite to the Wallabies

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt will be pleased with the returns of Valetini and Skelton, as his side lacked significant go-forward and stopping power in the first Test.

Sheehan and co. ran rampant over the Aussies in the first half.

With Valetini at six, he provides solidity and relieves the pressure from the shoulders of both Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson, who are at openside and eighth man respectively.

Both players were physical and confrontational in the first encounter, but lacked the support and consistency in the collisions to combat a purring Lions forward pack.

With little to no parity or dominance in moments in the second Test, the Wallabies will again struggle to release their dynamic players, namely Joseph Sua’ali’i, Max Jorgensen, and Tom Wright.

It remains an uphill battle for Schmidt and his charges.

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Thoughts from the coaches’ camps

Coach Farrell spoke on the state of his side after a successful first Test, saying: “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.

“We know our Lions supporters will get behind the team on Saturday and create a fantastic atmosphere,” he said, speaking on the impact and influence of Lions fans.

Schmidt spoke on his side being in pretty good nick, recovering well from the first Test, as well as them taking confidence from their second-half showing.

“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.”

Second Test nears

In a packed MCG, the Wallabies will look to protect their pride and prove there’s still plenty to play for, and that this series is far from over.

Conversely, Farrell has named an even more experienced side, stacked with a deeper arsenal of heavy hitters proven on the international scene. 

With the second Test potentially serving as either the nail in the coffin for the Wallabies or a lifeline to a third Test decider, fans will be hoping for a contest of epic proportions.

The second Test takes place on Saturday, July 26, in Melbourne.

Match-day 23s

British and Irish Lions: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Jack Conan.

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jac Morgan, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Blair Kinghorn.

Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Jake Gordon; 1 James Slipper, 2 David Porecki, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 4 Nick Frost, 5 Will Skelton, 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (c).

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.

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