Will Skelton and Rob Valetini are back in the Australian team to help stave off a series defeat to the British & Irish Lions with a Test to spare.

Valetini, Skelton and hooker David Porecki return from injury to bolster a forward unit that was physically dominated in the 27–19 defeat in Brisbane.

Named Australia’s best player in 2022 and 2023, Valetini slots straight into the No 6 jersey after recovering from a calf niggle. He replaces Nick Champion De Crespigny, who impressed on debut with his defensive work rate but drops out of the match-23 altogether.

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Porecki returns from concussion to start at hooker, while the towering Skelton adds bulk to the second row in place of Jeremy Williams, who moves to the bench.

Despite pressure to pair Queensland Reds duo Tom Lynagh and Tate McDermott, coach Joe Schmidt has backed Jake Gordon to retain the No 9 jersey, keeping the backline unchanged for the Melbourne showdown.

With wet weather forecast, Schmidt has stacked the bench with six forwards, including Billy Pollard, Angus Bell and Jeremy Williams.

“The squad has recovered well after a very physical first Test,” said Schmidt.

“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.”

AUSTRALIA — 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 David Porecki, 1 James Slipper
Bench: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Carlo Tizzano, 22 Tate McDermott, 23 Ben Donaldson

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

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