Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has been handed a huge boost with Will Skelton and Rob Valetini back for Saturday’s second Test against the British & Irish Lions in Melbourne.
The pair missed the defeat in Brisbane due to injury and return into the starting side for the first time in 2025.
Get your tickets to see the Wallabies tackle the British & Irish Lions in Melbourne on Saturday.
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.
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.
Hooker Dave Porecki is the only other change to the starting side, selected at hooker.
Porecki made his return to the gold jersey against Fiji, before a knock disrupted his preparation.
The backline remains unchanged, with Schmidt keeping the faith with halves partnership Jake Gordon and Tom Lynagh.
The bench has seen a subtle shift, with Schmidt opting for an extra forward in a 6-2 split.
This sees powerhouse number eight Langi Gleeson return after overcoming a cork alongside Williams and Carlo Tizzano.
Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson will cover the backline, with the Wallabies set for their 700th Test match.
“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.
“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 Wallabies are undefeated in their previous two Melbourne matches against the Lions.
This includes a 16-15 at Marvel Stadium (FKA Etihad Stadium), with prop James Slipper the lone remaining player as he starts once again.
Wallabies team to play British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on Saturday July 26 at 7:45pm AEST
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
