Joe Schmidt’s second selection of British and Ireland’s Lions Test teams could go a long way in defining his time as an Australian coach, but the opposite number Andy Farrell is not expected to make many changes.
Australia must find a response to physical control that was shown by tourists at the opening hours of their first Test defeat in Brisbane, or at risk of becoming the first Wallabies side who can’t take the Lions Series to the decider.
Australia’s best player in the last two years, Rob Valletini has recovered from a calf injury and will replace him in the back row at the expense of rookie Nick Champion de Cresny.
Rockwill Skeleton has also recovered from injuries, and his inclusion certainly strengthens the pack, but his limitations in the lineout may require rear row adjustments to add another jumper.
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Schmidt hasn’t had enough useful suggestions from media experts this week, but he most agrees that Hard Running Angus Bell should be promoted to start with loose head props in place of 36-year-old James Slippers.
After maintaining a concussion against Fiji two weeks ago, Dave Porecki should be available, and his lineout throw will help Wallabies cherish the area of the game they struggled with in their first tests.
Behind the scrum, Tom Lina showed that it was enough to get another shot at the first Test start, but many wanted it to do so alongside Queensland Reds teammate Tate McDermott, who played a great game from the Brisbane bench.
There was also a call to shift Joseph Oakso Suaari from the center to the back three after struggling to make an impact in Brisbane until it was too late.
Also, Len Ikitau can line up slots in the middle of Lina outside, along with another Queenland Red, Hunter Paisami, to his more preferred external centre spot.
Lions coach Farrell’s job becomes a little easier after the early advantages that tourists have shown in Brisbane, but it appears he will be forced to make changes to the second row.
Ireland’s Rockjoe McCarthy limped from a foot injury early in the second half at Suncorp Stadium, and has not been trained this week, leaving the door open for Ollie Chesham to move up from the bench.
Marcus Smith was sent for a head injury assessment in the Lions’ victory over the First Nations and Pacifica XV on Tuesday, but Farrell confirmed he passed and is available for selection on Saturday.
Garrying Rose of the Irish Centre is competing, returning from a concussion against the FNP, but Sionetwi Protou and Foo Jones midfield held their own in the first Test.
The main speculation lies around Owen Farrell, who will make the tour’s first start on Tuesday and can play in fly half or internal centers.