The Wallabies have more punch-ups for their second Test against the British in Melbourne and the Lions in Ireland. Rob Barrecini and Will Skeleton were added to the starting side due to a clash at the MCG on Saturday night.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt announced Match Day 23 on Thursday afternoon, reigning John Ires medalist Barrecini and Captain Skeleton Welcome Short of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Last week’s 27-19 defeat in Brisbane, the Brunbys backlower was badly overlooked, with Australia holding a slight runmeter in the first half of the 79.
However, Brumbies enforcers will need to significantly improve the Wallabies ball carry and lay a platform on the backline that has not been changed since last week. He also marks his return to Melbourne after starting his first rugby performance with local club Harlekins.
Meanwhile, Skeleton last played for the Wallabies against Scotland in Edinburgh last year. The huge frame of La Rochelle Rock strengthened the Wallabies mall and added another keyball carry option along with Barretini.
The experienced duo was joined in advance by Warata hooker Dave Polecki, and the former Test Captain replaced Matt Fessler in the front row after Queenslander saw Underdon in Brisbane and struggled with the targets of the lineout.
“The team recovered well after a very physical first test. With preparations here in Melbourne this week, it took a little longer,” Schmidt said via a media release.
“I’ve been confident since late last week, but I know there’s a need to improve further against the Lions team, who will bring enough fires to the contest on Saturday night.”
Elsewhere, Schmidt resisted the call to bring Red Scrum Half Tate McDermott to the Run-On side and partner with Queensland teammate Tomrina.
As a result, the backline remains the same from Brisbane, with Len Ikitau and Joseph Auguso Suaari lined up in the middle, starting the fifth Test as a centre pairing.
Schmidt chose a 6-2 split on the Melbourne bench. Rock Jeremy Williams has joined Rangigleeson. Tom Hooper dropped out of last week’s alternative list, so Andrew Keraway is offering McDermott and Ben Donaldson backline covers.
Nick champion Decresciny, who debuted last week, will be dropped from the team completely due to Balletini’s return.
The Lions are heading for their second game in the five-day space, but only a handful from their 24-19 victory over First Nations Pacifica XV on Tuesday night.
Tourists try to do what they couldn’t do on Australia’s last two tours and win the second Test in Melbourne. However, this was the first time the team saw the MCG, and the second Test took place in the town of Marvel Stadium in 2001 and 2013.
Wallabies team for the second test
Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph Axo Suariy, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter, Tom Linag, Jake Gordon. Harry Wilson, Fraser McWright, Rob Valenni, Will Skeleton, Nick Frost, Alan Alast, Dave Poleki and James Slippers. Alternatives: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams, Rangi Gleason, Carlo Tizano, Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson.
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