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Australia vs British & Irish Lions 2nd Test Predictions - B+I Lions to seal the series with narrow win against Wallabies
The upcoming test between Australia and the British & Irish Lions is anticipated to be a more competitive clash than last week's game. Australia will be bolstered by the return of key players like Will Skelton, Rob Valetini, and David Porecki, which should add to their physicality. Despite Australia's defeat in the first test, they are expected to perform better with these reinforcements. The British & Irish Lions remain unbeaten, making seven changes to their squad and need to maintain momentum in front of a large Melbourne crowd. The Wallabies are considered good value at a +9.5 handicap.
- Australia expects to improve with the return of key players Skelton, Valetini, and Porecki.
- The British & Irish Lions enter the match unbeaten and with squad changes to enhance performance.
- Australia is predicted to be competitive, potentially within a 9.5-point handicap.
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Finn Russell of the British & Irish Lions (Getty Images)
Australia vs British & Irish Lions Predictions
Last week felt like a bit of an anti-climax with the Lions comfortable winners, although the scoreboard suggests it wasn’t that comfortable. This week, the Wallabies are expected to front up better with Will Skelton, Rob Valetini and David Porecki back in the side and should bring a lot more physicality to the Aussies.
- Australia vs British & Irish Lions Predictions
- Head to Head
- Australia Form
- Australia Team News
- Australia Starting Lineup & Subs
- British & Irish Lions Form
- British & Irish Lions Team News
- British & Irish Lions Lineup & Subs
I still believe the B+I Lions will be too good and seal the series but Australia are good value at +9.5.
- Australia lost the 1st Test against the Lions by 8 points.
- Australia have 3 key players back from injury.
- British & Irish Lions have won their last 7 matches.
Head to Head
Last weekend the Lions beat Australia 27-19 and never really looked like they got out of second gear.
Australia Form
It is slightly unusual to say but Australia went into the first test last week undercooked with just one warm-up fixture played. A match they beat Fiji 21-18.
They were slow out of the blocks and the Lions made them pay with early points. The Wallabies never quite looked good enough to win the game, although they did outscore the tourists in the second half.
Truthfully, the 27-19 defeat flattered the Wallabies somewhat. They did play better in the second half, but the Lions also seemed to play as if they knew the game was won. To challenge the Lions on Saturday, the hosts will have to up their physicality and intensity.
Australia Team News
Joe Schmidt welcomes back three key players from injury this week. Rob Valetini, Will Skelton and David Porecki all come straight in to start in what is a must-win game to keep the series alive.
Australia Starting Lineup & Subs
15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 David Porecki, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Carlo Tizzano, 22 Tate McDermott, 23 Ben Donaldson.
British & Irish Lions Form
The British & Irish Lions are unbeaten since arriving on Australian shores. They have beaten all four Super Rugby sides, thrashed the mixed Australia and New Zealand outfit, won the first Test and then beat the First Nations & Pasifika side in midweek.
Last week the Lions were dominant in their 27-19 success against Australia in the first Test. It was a game that should have been won more comfortably, but the tourists let things slip in the final quarter.
They will need to be better this week with the Wallabies sure to turn up in front of 90 000 fans in Melbourne. It is do-or-die for the hosts who must win to keep the series alive.
British & Irish Lions Team News
Andy Farrell has made seven changes to his squad of 23 for Saturday’s match. Ollie Chessum, Andrew Porter and Bundee Aki all come into the starting lineup. Owen Farrell gets the nod on the bench as backup for flyhalf and inside centre.
British & Irish Lions Lineup & Subs
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje (captain), 3 Tadgh Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jac Morgan, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Blair Kinghorn.
Verdict
My best bet is for the Wallabies to get within the 9.5 handicap. A Lions win by 1-12 points is another solid option.
Australia +9.5
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