Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has been handed a huge boost with Will Skelton and Rob Valetini back for Saturday\u2019s second Test against the British & Irish Lions in Melbourne.<\/p>\n
The pair missed the defeat in Brisbane due to injury and return into the starting side for the first time in 2025.<\/p>\n
Skelton adds significant power to the second-row, with the La Rochelle superstar set to partner Nick Frost, with Jeremy Williams reverting to the bench.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the back-to-back John Eales Medalist, Rob Valetini, returns to blindside flanker to complete the star trio with Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson.<\/p>\n
Hooker Dave Porecki is the only other change to the starting side, selected at hooker.<\/p>\n
Porecki made his return to the gold jersey against Fiji, before a knock disrupted his preparation.<\/p>\n
The backline remains unchanged, with Schmidt keeping the faith with halves partnership Jake Gordon and Tom Lynagh.<\/p>\n
The bench has seen a subtle shift, with Schmidt opting for an extra forward in a 6-2 split.<\/p>\n
This sees powerhouse number eight Langi Gleeson return after overcoming a cork alongside Williams and Carlo Tizzano.<\/p>\n
Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson will cover the backline, with the Wallabies set for their 700th Test match.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Schmidt said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe took some confidence from the second half last week, but we know we\u2019ll need to improve further against a Lions team that will bring plenty of fire to the contest on Saturday night.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Wallabies are undefeated in their previous two Melbourne matches against the Lions.<\/p>\n
This includes a 16-15 at Marvel Stadium (FKA Etihad Stadium), with prop James Slipper the lone remaining player as he starts once again.<\/p>\n
Wallabies team to play British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on Saturday July 26:<\/p>\n
1. James Slipper (145 Tests) \u2013 #843; Bond Pirates
\n\t2. David Porecki (20 Tests) – #952; Seaforth Raiders
\n\t3. Allan Alaalatoa (82 Tests) \u2013 #896; West Harbour Juniors
\n\t4. Nick Frost (27 Tests) \u2013 #953; Hornsby Lions
\n\t5. Will Skelton (32 Tests) – #883; The Hills Sports High School
\n\t6. Rob Valetini (52 Tests) – #929; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
\n\t7. Fraser McReight (27 Tests) \u2013 #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
\n\t8. Harry Wilson (c) (24 Tests) \u2013 #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
\n\t9. Jake Gordon (30 Tests) – #925; Canterbury Juniors
\n\t10. Tom Lynagh (4 Tests) – #977; University of Queensland
\n\t11. Harry Potter (4 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams
\n\t12. Len Ikitau (41 Tests) \u2013 #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
\n\t13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (6 Tests) \u2013 #988; The Kings School
\n\t14. Max Jorgensen (9 Tests) \u2013 #984; Balmain Wolves
\n\t15. Tom Wright (39 Tests) \u2013 #939; Clovelly Eagles
\n\tReplacements:
\n\t16. Billy Pollard (8 Tests) \u2013 #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
\n\t17. Angus Bell (38 Tests) \u2013 #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
\n\t18. Tom Robertson (32 Tests) \u2013 #898; Dubbo Junior Rugby Club
\n\t19. Jeremy Williams (12 Tests) \u2013 #973; Wahroonga Tigers
\n\t20. Langi Gleeson (15 Tests) – #960; Harbord Harlequins
\n\t21. Carlo Tizzano (7 Tests) \u2013 #982; University of Western Australia
\n\t22. Tate McDermott (43 Tests) \u2013 #936; Flinders Rugby Club
\n\t23. Ben Donaldson (18 Tests) \u2013 #962; Clovelly Eagles
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