Wallabies Bolster Pack: Valetini and Skelton Start vs Lions in Melbourne

Wallabies Strengthen Lineup for Second Test Against the Lions

The Wallabies present a more robust team for the second match against the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne. Rob Valetini and Will Skelton join the starting team for Saturday’s clash at the MCG. The Wallabies coach, Joe Schmidt, revealed his lineup for the match on Thursday afternoon. The team welcomes back Valetini, two-time John Eales Medal winner, and Skelton, captain of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The absence of the Brumbies’ third line was felt in last week’s defeat in Brisbane. Australia only managed 79 running meters in the first half, contributing to a 12-point deficit at halftime. Valetini is expected to significantly improve the Wallabies’ game, providing a solid platform for the unchanged backline. This match also marks the player’s return home, who started playing rugby at the local Harlequins club. Skelton, who last played for the Wallabies against Scotland last year, will bring his imposing presence to reinforce the maul and offer another key option to carry the ball alongside Valetini. The experienced duo joins Waratahs hooker Dave Porecki, who replaces Matt Faessler in the front row. Faessler did not perform well in Brisbane and struggled with his throws.

“The team has recovered well after the first very physical test and the preparation this week in Melbourne has given us a little more time together,” Schmidt said in a statement.
Joe Schmidt

Schmidt also chose to keep Jake Gordon at scrum-half, instead of including Tate McDermott.

Rob Valetini bolsters the Wallabies starting side for the second Test against the Lions in Melbourne this weekend

The backs line remains intact, with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the center of the field, playing their fifth match together as a pair. Schmidt has chosen a 6-2 split on the bench in Melbourne, with second-rower Jeremy Williams and Langi Gleeson, who also missed last week’s match due to injury. Tom Hooper and Andrew Kellaway are not on the bench for last week, while McDermott and Ben Donaldson provide coverage in the backs line. Nick Champion de Crespigny, who debuted last week, is not in the team due to Valetini’s return. The Lions prepare for their second match in five days, although coach Andy Farrell is expected to name few players from the team that won 24-19 against the First Nations-Pasifika XV on Tuesday night. Tourists will try to win the second test in Melbourne, something they have not achieved in their two previous tours of Australia. This will be the team’s first match at the MCG, as the second test was played at Marvel Stadium in 2001 and 2013.