Wallabies welcome back big guns for must-win Lions Test

Backrower Rob Valetini and lock Will Skelton have both been named in the Wallabies’ starting side for ahead of this weekend’s must-win clash with the British & Irish Lions, and the good news doesn’t stop there for the men in gold.

Coach Joe Schmidt has selected four returning Wallabies in the matchday 23, after the quartet missed the Lions Series opener at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. Former Wallabies captain David Porecki and powerful loose forward Langi Gleeson are also back in the team.

Schmidt revealed in the post-game interview last weekend that both Valetini and Skelton would be fit for the second Test at the MCG, after the pair missed out on the Test against the Flying Fijians in Newcastle earlier this month as well.

Carlos Spencer on touring South Africa with Black Ferns XV

Carlos Spencer on touring South Africa with Black Ferns XV

Porecki and Gleeson both played in that match but were later ruled out of the highly anticipated series opener against the Lions. Matt Feasler was instead named at hooker, while Nick Champion de Crespigny debuted in the backrow.

Skelton will pack down alongside Nick Frost in the second row, while Jeremy Williams drops to the bench. As for Valetini, the two-time John Eales Medallist will combine with Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson in a familiar backrow.

Up front, Porecki replaces Faessler at hooker. Porecki joins 145-Test veteran James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa in a powerful trio. Schmidt hasn’t made any changes with the front-row cover on the bench, with Billy Pollard, Angus Bell and Tom Robertson all named.

In the backs, Jake Gordon and Tom Lynagh will start a Test together in the halves for only the second time. Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii have also been retained in the midfield, following calls from Michael Hooper for Hunter Paisami to get a run.

Harry Potter starts in the No. 11 once again with Max Jorgensen on the right, and 39-Test Wallaby Tom Wright has been retained at fullback. Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson provide the only backs cover on the bench, with Schmidt going with a 6-2 split.

“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,” Schmidt said in a statement.

“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.”

After losing last weekend’s match at Suncorp Stadium 19-27, the Wallabies need to beat the Lions at the MCG to keep the series alive. If they do that, the Wallabies and Lions will go head-to-head in a series decider at Sydney’s Accor Stadium next week.

Wallabies team to take on British & Irish Lions in Melbourne

1. James Slipper (145 Tests) – #843; Bond Pirates
2. David Porecki (20 Tests) – #952; Seaforth Raiders
3. Allan Alaalatoa (82 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Nick Frost (27 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
5. Will Skelton (32 Tests) – #883; The Hills Sports High School
6. Rob Valetini (52 Tests) – #929; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (27 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (24 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (30 Tests) – #925; Canterbury Juniors
10. Tom Lynagh (4 Tests) – #977; University of Queensland
11. Harry Potter (4 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Len Ikitau (41 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (6 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (9 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (39 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (8 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (38 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Tom Robertson (32 Tests) – #898; Dubbo Junior Rugby Club
19. Jeremy Williams (12 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
20. Langi Gleeson (15 Tests) – #960; Harbord Harlequins
21. Carlo Tizzano (7 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
22. Tate McDermott (43 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
23. Ben Donaldson (18 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles