The Wallabies have made significant changes to their lineup ahead of the second Test against the British and Irish Lions, scheduled for March 16, 2024, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Following a narrow 27-19 loss in the opening match in Brisbane, the Australian team is determined to level the series and keep their hopes alive in the three-match contest.
Returning to the forward pack are Rob Valetini, Will Skelton, and Dave Porecki, who missed the first Test due to injury. Their return is expected to bolster the Wallabies’ physical presence on the field, addressing the shortcomings experienced in the previous match where the Lions dominated the breakdown.
Coach Joe Schmidt has emphasized the need for size and strength against a formidable Lions team. Valetini will start as blindside flanker, while Skelton takes the No. 5 lock position. Porecki, who suffered a concussion in a prior match against Fiji, will reclaim his role as hooker. The backline remains unchanged, with Jake Gordon and Tom Lynagh continuing as the preferred halves pairing.
In anticipation of wet weather conditions, Schmidt has opted for a six-two forwards-backs bench split, a strategic decision aimed at enhancing the team’s physicality. The bench will include Billy Pollard, Jeremy Williams, and Langi Gleeson, among others. Notably, forwards Matt Faessler, Nick Champion de Crespigny, and Tom Hooper, along with outside back Andrew Kellaway, have been dropped from the match-day squad.
Schmidt expressed optimism about the team’s preparation, highlighting the confidence gained from their second-half performance in the previous Test. “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 stated. “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.”
As the Wallabies prepare for this do-or-die clash, the stakes are high. A victory would not only level the series but also restore morale within the squad, setting the stage for an intense showdown against the Lions. The match is expected to attract significant attention, with fans eager to see if the changes in the lineup will yield the desired results.
