Wallabies Fijian backrower Rob Valetini will make his long-awaited return this Saturday after being named to start at blindside flanker for Australia’s second Test against the British and Irish Lions.
Valetini has been sidelined for six weeks with a calf injury, missing last weekend’s first Test and the clash against the Fiji Water Flying Fijians.
Coach Joe Schmidt has made several changes to his match day 23, including the return of France-based veteran lock Will Skelton, who starts alongside Nick Frost in the second row.
James Slipper, David Porecki, and Allan Alaalatoa will form the front row, with Fraser McReight on the openside and Harry Wilson—who captains the side—starting at number 8.
Jake Gordon and Tom Lynagh will pair up at halfback and flyhalf, while Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen will take the wings. Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suali’i are in the midfield, and Tom Wright starts at fullback.
On the bench are Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, and Carlo Tizzano as forward cover, with Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson named as backline reserves.
The Wallabies face the Lions at 10pm this Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
