The Wallabies are preparing for a critical showdown against the British and Irish Lions in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on July 8, 2023. After suffering a 27-19 defeat in the opening match in Brisbane, the Australian team is determined to level the series, with veteran prop James Slipper urging his teammates to focus on their game and disregard external criticism.
As the sole player in the current Australian lineup with experience from two previous Lions series, Slipper brings invaluable insight to the team. He participated in the 2013 series, where the Wallabies lost the first match but managed to secure a victory in the second before ultimately falling to the Lions in the deciding Test. Reflecting on the recent loss, Slipper emphasized the need for the team to channel their energy positively.
“We’ve got to not necessarily start again, but we’ve got to build on what we’ve started and make sure that under pressure we deliver that in the 80 minutes on the weekend,” Slipper stated. He noted a sense of belief among the group, highlighting their ability to recover after trailing significantly during the first match. “We’ve taken a lot of confidence and belief from what we can do,” he added.
The Wallabies faced sharp criticism from the UK media, including former England World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward, who described captain Harry Wilson‘s decision to kick the ball out at the end of the game as indicative of a “losing mentality.” Slipper dismissed these remarks as “noise,” advocating for a focus on internal preparation.
“I wouldn’t say it was a losing mentality; I just thought we’d put a full stop on that game and crack on with game two,” he explained. The 36-year-old veteran emphasized the importance of maintaining a concentrated mindset leading into the pivotal match.
The Wallabies will also benefit from the return of key players from injury. Flanker Rob Valetini and lock Will Skelton are set to bolster the squad, bringing vital experience and strength to the pack. Valetini expressed excitement about playing in front of his family in Melbourne, stating, “I had a good week last week with training and came through alright, so I’ll be available for selection.”
The Lions demonstrated their physical dominance during the first Test, with their back row comprising Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, and Jack Conan establishing an early lead. Valetini, who watched from the sidelines, acknowledged the Lions’ effectiveness. “I thought all three were pretty involved. They are big boys and they did their jobs well,” he said.
With a significant gap of 12 years between Lions series, Valetini is eager to seize this opportunity, noting, “I’ll be close to 40 by the time the next one comes along, there’s definitely a lot of hunger just to get out there.”
As the Wallabies prepare for this crucial encounter, the stakes are high. A victory would not only level the series but also restore confidence within the squad and their supporters. The match promises to be a thrilling display of skill, resilience, and determination as both teams vie for supremacy on the international rugby stage.
