MELBOURNE: Joe Schmidt has reinforced the Wallabies squad ahead of their crucial second Test against the British and Irish Lions at the MCG this Saturday. In a significant uplift for Australia’s prospects of levelling the series, injured forwards Rob Valetini, Will Skelton, David Porecki, and Langi Gleeson make their returns to the matchday 23.
Valetini, Skelton, and Porecki will start the match, while Gleeson is included among the six forwards on the bench, following the Wallabies’ physical setback in their previous 27-19 defeat in Brisbane. Valetini, a Melbourne native and two-time John Eales Medallist, is particularly eager to impress on home ground. Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa noted that the team missed Valetini’s impactful carrying in the first Test, emphasising the importance of his physical presence on the field.
Skelton, who had been sidelined due to a calf injury, replaces Jeremy Williams in the starting lineup. However, his coach, Ronan O’Gara, cautioned that dramatic changes should not be expected immediately following his return. He advised that while Skelton can be a game-changer, it may take time for him to regain full match fitness.
Porecki rejoins the starting team at hooker after recovering from concussion and replaces Matt Faessler. Former Wallaby halfback Nick Phipps praised Porecki’s accuracy in lineout throwing and physicality as vital for the team’s edge in the upcoming match.
In anticipation of potential heavy rain on match day, Schmidt has opted for a bench consisting of six forwards, a strategic shift from the previous five. Phipps commented that this change will provide a significant punch, given the physical nature of the first Test and the likely conditions in Melbourne.
Despite impressive performances from Tate McDermott off the bench in the first Test, Schmidt has retained Jake Gordon as the starting halfback, with Phipps supporting this decision, suggesting Gordon’s experience may provide a defensive advantage at the start of the match.
Players dropping out from the 23 include Faessler, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tom Hooper, and Andrew Kellaway. Schmidt expressed satisfaction with the squad’s recovery after the rigorous first Test and noted that the extra preparation time in Melbourne had been beneficial, despite acknowledging the need for further improvement against the Lions’ formidable team.
WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter, Tom Lynagh, Jake Gordon, Harry Wilson (c), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, David Porecki, James Slipper.
Reserves: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson.