Valetini and Skelton start for the Wallabies in second Test against British & Irish Lions

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.

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.

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 No 8 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.

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

British & Irish Lions starting XV: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe; 10 Finn Russell, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 8 Jack Conan, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Tadhg Beirne; 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje (capt); 3 Tadgh Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter. Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jac Morgan, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Blair Kinghorn.

Fixture

Saturday - Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne @ 8pm local time (10am GMT, 12pm SAST)

Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)

Assistant referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)

TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)