Wallabies Strengthen Pack for 2nd Test vs. Lions: Valetini and Skelton Start

Wallabies Bolster Lineup for Second Test against the Lions

The Wallabies have made significant adjustments to their team for the second test against the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne, with Rob Valetini and Will Skelton added to the starting lineup for Saturday’s clash at the MCG. The Wallabies coach, Joe Schmidt, revealed his lineup for the match on Thursday afternoon, with Valetini, two-time John Eales Medal winner, and Skelton, captain of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, as notable additions. The absence of the Brumbies player was felt in last week’s 27-19 defeat in Brisbane, where Australia was limited to only 79 meters covered in the first half, contributing to a 12-point deficit at halftime. Valetini is expected to considerably improve the Wallabies’ game, and lays the foundation for a backline that remains unchanged. Skelton, for his part, returns to the team after his last match against Scotland in Edinburgh last year. His imposing presence will seek to strengthen the Wallabies’ 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.

“Yes, it’s great. Some of those decisions were made more difficult by what the bank did last week,” Schmidt told reporters on Thursday afternoon. “I think Tom Hooper is very unlucky not to be in, but Will and his experience allow us to see something slightly different this week, because I thought Tom came off the bench and did a very good job.”
Joe Schmidt

Furthermore, Schmidt chose to keep Jake Gordon in the number 9 position, leaving out Tate McDermott.

Rob Valetini refuerza el equipo titular de los Wallabies para el segundo test contra los Lions en Melbourne este fin de semana

The backs line remains unchanged, with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the centers, marking their fifth start together. Schmidt has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench in Melbourne, with Jeremy Williams and Langi Gleeson, who also missed last week’s defeat due to injury. Nick Champion de Crespigny is out of the team due to Valetini’s return. The Lions prepare for their second match in five days, following Tuesday night’s 24-19 victory over the First Nations-Pasifika XV. The Lions coach, Andy Farrell, was forced to make two changes, with Ollie Chessum and Bundee Aki replacing Joe McCarthy and Sione Tuipulotu, respectively, while Andrew Porter starts in place of Ellis Genge in the front row. Tourists will try to win the second test in Melbourne, something they haven’t achieved in their last two tours of Australia. However, this will be the first time the team plays at the MCG, as the second test was played at Marvel Stadium in 2001 and 2013.