The British & Irish Lions have named their squad for the Second Test in Melbourne, and while Andy Farrell has made only three changes to the side that claimed a 27-19 victory in Brisbane, there are plenty of selection storylines bubbling beneath the surface.
Garry Ringrose injury ends All-Irish Lions midfield in Second Test
The Lions looked set to field an all-Irish centre pairing of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose, but a late concussion setback for Ringrose forced a change in the backs just hours after the team was announced.
The Leinster star had been drafted in to replace Huw Jones, but following medical advice, Ringrose was withdrawn. Jones returns to partner Aki in midfield for a new combination we are yet to see so far but has plenty of promise on paper.
While effective, the late disruption is far from ideal, especially against Australia’s aggressive centre pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph Suaalii.
Sione Tuipulotu misses out on Lions Test in home city of Melbourne
The injury to Ringrose is compounded by the absence of Sione Tuipulotu, who misses the Second Test with a knock of his own. The Scotland centre had hoped to play in his hometown of Melbourne, with a large family contingent expected to attend.
Tuipulotu has been a standout performer for the Lions so far and his absence leaves the midfield light on familiarity, with Aki now carrying added responsibility as the main physical presence in the centres.
Owen Farrell returns to Lions bench for fourth Lions series appearance
Owen Farrell is back in the Lions squad, named among the replacements for the first time on this tour. The experienced England international, who was a late call-up on the Tour, missed the First Test but returns as fly-half cover after Marcus Smith was eased back following his HIA.
If Farrell features in Melbourne, he will join an exclusive group of players to have appeared in four different Lions Test series, further underlining his enduring value. His presence provides tactical control and leadership in what promises to be a tight second-half battle.
Will Skelton and Rob Valetini boost Australia for Second Lions Test
Australia have made key changes up front, with Will Skelton and Rob Valetini returning to the starting XV in a huge boost for Joe Schmidt’s side. Skelton adds serious bulk and lineout disruption, while Valetini brings ball-carrying power that was sorely missed in Brisbane.
Angus Bell also starts at loosehead, as the Wallabies aim to meet the Lions’ physicality head-on. After struggling to impose themselves in the First Test, this upgraded forward pack will be central to Australia’s hopes of levelling the series.
Lions stick with winning formula from First Test
Despite the enforced changes, Farrell has kept faith with his core starting XV from the First Test. Ollie Chessum replaces Joe McCarthy in the second row, while the formidable back row of Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry and Jack Conan remains.
Farrell’s side will be looking to wrap up the series with a game to spare and secure a first Lions Test series win in Australia since 2013. With a settled side and big-game experience on the bench, the Lions are well-placed to deliver again at the MCG.
