Five Western Force have been named in the Wallabies’ team for the second Test against the British & Irish Lions at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday night.
The returns of back-to-back John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini at blindside flanker, along with lock Will Skelton and hooker David Porecki from injuries, mean debutant Nick Champion de Crespigny drops out of the side. Jeremy Williams has been moved to the reserves.
Harry Potter is the only starter of the Force quintet, with Tom Robertson, Williams, Carlo Tizzano and Ben Donaldson among the reserves.
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Melbourne product Potter will play his first Test in his hometown on the left wing. Robertson is part of the same front-row replacements from the first Test in what will be the Wallabies’ 700th Test match.
Wahroonga junior Williams will take on a finishing role as the replacement lock, with the energetic Tizzano the remaining forward cover. Donaldson will get a chance to showcase his versatility, named in the number 23 jersey.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “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.
“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.”
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Match details
Wallabies vs British & Irish Lions
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Saturday 26 July, 5:45pm AWST
Live on 9GEM and Stan Sport
Wallabies team
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
