Australia vs Lions: Second Test prediction, preview, odds, tips, line-ups and how to watch

The Lions were arguably better than the 27-19 scoreline suggested after dominating most of Saturday's first Test before letting the hosts back in with a couple of late tries.

Farrell and Co will be expecting to find their groove even more on Saturday as we approach the midpoint in the series, with the Lions boss freshing the team up with three changes to the starting XV.

Bundee Aki and Ollie Chessum replace injured duo Sione Tuipulotu and Joe McCarthy, with Andrew Porter also coming in for Ellis Genge at loosehead prop.

Genge has been named on the bench with Jac Morgan, James Ryan, Owen Farrell and Blair Kinghorn all added to the matchday 23.

Farrell later revealed Garry Ringrose was initially named to start at centre alongside Ireland team-mate Aki but pulled out due to a reoccurrence of a concussion issue.

Australia have also made three changes, with Lock Will Skelton, back-row Rob Valetini and hooker David Porecki all returning to start in a major boost for the Wallabies.

Backs
15. Hugo Keenan
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Huw Jones
12. Bundee Aki
11. James Lowe
10. Finn Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park

Forwards
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Maro Itoje (captain)
5. Ollie Chessum
6. Tadhg Beirne
7. Tom Curry
8. Jack Conan

Replacements
16. Ronan Kelleher, 17. Ellis Genge, 18. Will Stuart, 19. James Ryan, 20. Jac Morgan, 21. Alex Mitchell, 22. Owen Farrell, 23. Bundee Aki

Check out the full Lions squad as well as all the latest tour news and updates here.

Backs
15. Tom Wright
14. Max Jorgensen
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
12. Len Ikitau
11. Harry Potter
10. Tom Lynagh
9. Jake Gordon

Forwards
1. James Slipper
2. David Porecki
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Nick Frost
5. Will Skelton
6. Rob Valetini
7. Fraser McReight
8. Harry Wilson (c)

Replacements
16. Billy Pollard, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Tom Robertson, 19. Jeremy Williams, 20. Langi Gleeson 21. Carlo Tizzano, 22. Tate McDermott, 23. Ben Donaldson.

The Lions showed their composure and physical superiority in the first Test, and with minimal changes expected, they should be even sharper in Melbourne. Australia will likely respond with added intensity, but the Lions’ control at the set-piece and impact from the bench could see them pull away late on once again.

A winning margin of 11–20 points strikes the balance between Farrell’s men being too strong over 80 minutes, while still respecting the Wallabies’ improvements.

With attacking threats across both teams and fast conditions expected at the MCG, this match could produce a higher scoreline than Brisbane. The Lions are capable of punishing errors, while Australia have enough creativity through Lynagh, Suaalii and Jorgensen to contribute to the scoreboard.

The first Test reached 46 points, as have four of their six other games, and a more open second half this time could push the total even further. Over 45.5 points looks like solid value for two sides that can play with ambition.

With the Lions set to field a power-packed pack at the MCG, Dan Sheehan remains a standout anytime tryscorer - and odds of 5/4 underscore that confidence.

His ability to manipulate driving mauls and finish near the line makes him a high-value pick - just as his try in the corner last weekend proved.

• Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025

• Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

• Time: 11am BST (8pm localtime)

• UK Coverage: Live on Sky Sports, with talkSPORT radio commentary.

View the latest rugby union odds here.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.