Australia v British & Irish Lions live: Latest score and updates from second Test battle at the MCG

With big names like Skelton and Valetini returning the Wallabies will aim to win the collision battle after being outmuscled in Brisbane.

The breakdown will be key. If the Lions can control the tempo and get quick ball they’ll create chances. But if Australia slows them down and dominates contact, momentum could shift quickly.

Discipline and kicking will also be crucial. Expect both teams to play for territory – the side that gives away fewer penalties and controls the aerial game could take control.

Midfield is another area to watch. Bundee Aki starts at 12 for the Lions and will look to punch holes, but Australia have pace and flair out wide, especially if Jorgensen gets space to run.

I’m most looking forward to the Wallabies’ response. They’ve been bruised, but they’ve had a look at what works – bring aggression, stay in the fight and they’ve got a shot.

If the Lions finish strong and keep composure late on they could seal it. But don’t rule out a gritty Australian response to force a decider.

Match officials for second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)

Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)

Television Match Official: Eric Gauzins (Fra)

Foul Play Review Officer: Marius Jonker (SA)

A large part of the Lions’ struggles on this tour have been down to their inaccurate breakdown work, the ruck detail and intent in their carry not quite there in some of the games in the lead-up to the Test series. They got things spot on in Brisbane, though, not allowing Fraser McReight and co to spoil their ball and thus being able to play with pace and purpose.

It feels vital for the Wallabies to make that area more messy tonight.

The Wallabies were overpowered 27-19 in the first Test but have been reinforced for today’s rematch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by the return from injury of imposing forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton.

Wilson, Australia’s captain and number eight, believes his team will grow stronger having faced the Lions once already.

“There’s no denying it, we’ve got to go out there and win. We’ve got to win the next two to win the series,” Wilson said.

“It feels as if we probably didn’t play the sort of footy we wanted to in the first Test and didn’t fire as many shots as we would have liked.”

The MCG is a pretty inspiring place, so much sporting history etched into an iconic colosseum of sport. Can the Wallabies channel some of the past Australian greats to hit back and square the series?

The Lions are without Joe McCarthy after the lock sustained a foot injury during the first Test, with Ollie Chessum promoted from the bench to partner captain Maro Itoje. Bundee Aki comes in to midfield at the expense of the unfortunate Sione Tuipulotu, born in Melbourne but out with a tight hamstring. Garry Ringrose had been due to be stationed at outside centre but stood himself down after experiencing lingering symptoms of a concussion.

Andrew Porter is preferred to Ellis Genge as the starting loosehead. Andy Farrell freshens up his bench after the unit failed to fire in Brisbane: James Ryan, Jac Morgan, Owen Farrell and Blair Kinghorn come in after starting the midweek win over the First Nations & Pasifika XV.

Lions XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Jack Conan; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Finn Russell; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Hugo Keenan.

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.

Australia are bolstered by the availability of Will Skelton, David Porecki and Rob Valetini, who all add quality and size to Joe Schmidt’s forward pack. The Wallabies backline is unchanged from the first Test as Tom Lynagh is backed again at fly half.

On the bench, Langi Gleeson is another welcome returnee as one of six forwards readied to make an impact. Tate McDermott, impressive in the first Test, and Ben Donaldson provide backline cover.

Australia XV: 1 James Slipper, 2 David Porecki, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Will Skelton; 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Tom Lynagh; 11 Harry Potter, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.

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.

The Wallabies have only just rocked up to the MCG – the hosts are 20 to 25 minutes behind schedule, I reckon, with the Lions here a little while ago. What impact might that make? No news yet of a delayed kick off or anything like that.

Let’s take a look at the two teams…

Johnson presented the jerseys to Andy Farrell’s team as a surprise guest speaker at a special ceremony before dinner as part of the build-up to the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The former England lock captained two Lions tours, overseeing a series triumph against South Africa in 1997 and a defeat to Australia four years later, and drew on his experience to outline what will be required against the Wallabies.