Return of Rob Valetini and Will Skelton among three changes to Wallabies forward pack for clash with British and Irish Lions

The Wallabies have added some much-needed physicality to their pack for Saturday night’s clash with the British and Irish Lions at the MCG.

Imposing duo Rob Valetini and Will Skelton are part of a revamped Wallabies forward pack for Saturday night’s must-win clash against the British and Irish Lions at the MCG.

The powerful pair, who missed Australia’s first Test 27-19 loss to the Lions at Suncorp Stadium last weekend because of calf injuries, replace flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny and lock Jeremy Williams in two of the three changes to the Wallabies’ pack.

The other change is at hooker, where the fit-again David Porecki comes in for Matt Faessler.

While Williams has at least been retained on the bench, Champion de Crespigny and Faessler have missed out entirely on the 23-man squad.

The addition of Valetini and Skelton will give the Wallabies more of the physical presence needed to combat the intimidating Lions forwards in a game Australia need to win to keep the three-Test series alive.

Will Skelton has recovered from a calf injury. Picture: William West / AFP

“We didn’t have the intention last week, and we don’t have the intention this week of being submissive,” Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said.

“I just think they played on the edge really well. They got in among us, sometimes beside us, which made it very hard to play, and we’re hopeful that we will be able to take that to them this week and keep them on the back foot a little bit more, but there’s a lot of work that goes into doing that.”

Schmidt said two-time John Eales Medal winner Valetini’s inclusion would bring “confidence” to other players because of his experience and “ability to take the ball forward”.

He also said that France-based Skelton’s knowledge of the Lions players would be important.

“Will has accumulated that experience, he knows what it’s like to play these players, he’s played them regularly and he’s won against them regularly, certainly in Europe in the big European (club) games that they’ve played,” Schmidt said.

“One of the key things with Will is he’s a very calm influence. He’s a big man and he’s big-hearted as well.

“His history of being involved in successful teams, particularly with (French club) La Rochelle in Europe, it just gives other players confidence.

“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.”

Schmidt has retained the same starting backline, with Jake Gordon to again partner Tom Lynagh in the halves, despite Tate McDermott’s strong claims to replace Gordon in the No.9 jersey after his strong first Test performance off the bench.

There are two changes to Australia’s bench, with the demoted Williams and Langi Gleeson replacing Tom Hooper and Andrew Kellaway.

Wallabies team to play British and Irish Lions at MCG

1. James Slipper (145 Tests)

2. David Porecki (20 Tests)

3. Allan Alaalatoa (82 Tests)

4. Nick Frost (27 Tests)

5. Will Skelton (32 Tests)

6. Rob Valetini (52 Tests)

7. Fraser McReight (27 Tests)

8. Harry Wilson (c) (24 Tests)

9. Jake Gordon (30 Tests)

10. Tom Lynagh (4 Tests)

11. Harry Potter (4 Tests)

12. Len Ikitau (41 Tests)

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (6 Tests)

14. Max Jorgensen (9 Tests)

15. Tom Wright (39 Tests)

Bench:

16. Billy Pollard (8 Tests)

17. Angus Bell (38 Tests)

18. Tom Robertson (32 Tests)

19. Jeremy Williams (12 Tests)

20. Langi Gleeson (15 Tests)

21. Carlo Tizzano (7 Tests)

22. Tate McDermott (43 Tests)

23. Ben Donaldson (18 Tests)