The Wallabies have made three changes to its starting side for the second Test against the British & Irish Lions at the MCG, with flanker Rob Valetini returning from injury.

On Thursday afternoon, Rugby Australia confirmed the two-time John Eales Medallist would play at blindside flanker for the Melbourne clash, with second-rower Will Skelton and hooker David Porecki also joining the forward pack. The Wallabies backline remains unchanged with a 6-2 forwards-heavy bench.

Porecki was unavailable for the series opener due to a concussion he sustained during Australia’s recent Test against Fiji in Newcastle, while Valentini and Skelton have recovered from a calf injury. Back-rower Langi Gleeson also returns from a minor injury, named on the bench.

Flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny and hooker Matt Faessler have been dropped, while lock Jeremy Williams remains in the matchday squad as a substitute.

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“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,” Wallabies coach Joe 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.”

The touring Lions took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after defeating the Wallabies 27-19 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

The second Test gets underway at the MCG on Saturday at 8pm AEST.

Wallabies XV for second Lions Test

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)

9. Jake Gordon

10. Tom Lynagh

11. Harry Potter

12. Len Ikitau

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

14. Max Jorgensen

15. Tom Wright

Substitutes

16. Billy Pollard

17. Angus Bell

18. Tom Robertson

19. Jeremy Williams

20. Langi Gleeson

21. Carlo Tizzano

22. Tate McDermott

23. Ben Donaldson