Skelton and Valetini return for Wallabies
Lock Will Skelton and flanker Rob Valetini are back in the Australia starting XV for Saturday's must-win second Test against the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne.The return of the giant duo gives the Wallabies an extra physical dimension after the hosts were underpowered in the series opener in Brisbane, which the Lions won 27-19.Elsewhere, Dave Porecki starts at hooker but the backline is unchanged with Tom Lynagh at fly-half and Len Ikitau and cross-code star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield.Back rower Langi Gleeson has recovered from injury and is among the replacements as coach Joe Schmidt opts for six forwards and two backs on the bench.Despite being overwhelmed by the Lions in the first half at the Suncorp Stadium, Australia managed to work their way back into the game, winning the second half 14-10 to put some gloss on a mainly one-sided contest.And after starting slowly in Brisbane, Schmidt says his side will be better prepared this week to meet the Lions' intensity from the off."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 said."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."
Skelton and Valetini both missed the series opener as they recovered from calf injuries, and will be tasked with providing ballast to the Wallaby pack at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.It will be a significant occasion for the Melbourne-born Valetini, who grew up watching his Australian Rules team St Kilda play at the MCG, while the Lions are well aware of the unique threat of the 6'8" and 21-stone Skelton.Lions skipper Maro Itoje played alongside Skelton for Saracens, as the Australian won two Premierships and the Champions Cup in his three years in north London."He is a fantastic player and a talisman for any side he plays in. He adds a sense of dynamism, size and power to the team," Itoje said."Due to the size of him and his strengths, Will presents different challenges to your traditional lock."A crowd of near 90,000 is expected at the MCG on Saturday, which would be a record attendance for a Lions Test match.
Line-ups
Australia: Wright, Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter, Lynagh, Gordon; Slipper, Porecki, Alaalatoa, Frost, Skelton, Valetini, McReight, Wilson.Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Williams, Gleeson, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson.British & Irish Lions: Keenan, Freeman, Jones, Aki, Lowe, Russell, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje, Chessum, Beirne, Curry, Conan.Replacements: Kelleher, Genge, Stuart, Ryan, Morgan, Mitchell, Farrell, Kinghorn.
Match officials
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)Assistant Referee 1: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)Assistant Referee 2: Ben O'Keeffe (NZ)TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)Foul play review officer (FPRO): Marius Jonker (SA)
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