I think the Wallabies will cause a huge upset in Melbourne – Australia v British & Irish Lions predictions for second Test

Josh Graham

Here's what we think will happen in the second Test at the MCG on Saturday

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Can Australia save the series or will the Lions take an unassailable 2-0 lead? Here are our Australia v British & Irish Lions predictions for the second Test in Melbourne.

Both sides have made three changes with the Lions starting Bundee Aki, Andrew Porter and Ollie Chessum while the Wallabies welcome back forward trio Rob Valetini, Will Skelton and David Porecki.

Read more: Why is Garry Ringrose not playing for the British & Irish Lions against Australia in the second Test?

Australia v British & Irish Lions predictions for second Test

Josh Graham, Rugby World deputy editor: Australia 21-19 British & Irish Lions

I don’t know if this is more in hope (this series needs a decider) than expectation but I can see the Wallabies shocking the Lions. They’ve got some serious firepower back in the shape of Valetini and Skelton which could help knock the tourists’ game plan off course.

Doesn’t matter how good you are if your forward platform has been disrupted. We definitely need to see more of Joseph Suaalii if the Wallabies are going to be able to exert enough pressure. It’s all about staying in the game, something they failed at so quickly in Brisbane.

There were enough signs of life in the second half that they can cause problems and with a 6-2 bench split, perhaps now is their time. Joe Schmidt will have some crafty plans up his sleeve too, I’m sure. So why not a sneaky win for the Aussies?

Joe Robinson, Rugby World editor: Australia 16-32 British & Irish Lions

For this series to retain the interest of the general sporting public next weekend, Australia need to win. For this Lions team to back up their dream of being one of the great touring teams in history, they need to wipe the floor with the Wallabies.

If they grumble over the line in an uninspiring win like last weekend, this tour is in danger of being forgotten by the annals of time.

I, for one, hope that the Lions come out on Saturday, produce a full 80 minute performance and show just how good they are. However, my gut is telling me that we will get more of the same. A solid performance that benefits from Australia’s lack of power and penetration and gets the job done.

This tour is also lacking its “moment”. Brian O’Driscoll’s try in 2001, George North picking up Israel Folau in 2013, the wundertry of 2017. Maybe this weekend could be the time for that moment to happen. It feels like the tour needs it.

Australia v British & Irish Lions second Test details

Read more: All you need to know about the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia

TV Channel: Sky Sports/Now TV (UK & Ireland), Stan Sport (Australia)

Read more: How to watch Australia v British & Irish Lions second Test

The Wallabies pose for a team photo on the Friday before the second Test (Getty Images)

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Victoria

Capacity: 100,024

Head-to-head record

This will be the 25th occasion in which the British & Irish Lions have faced Australia in a Test match.

The first was on the 1899 tour to Australia. On 24 June at the Sydney Cricket Ground in front of 28,000 fans, Australia beat the Lions 13-3.

British & Irish Lions Fixtures

Hooker Dan Sheehan scores the Lions’ third try during the first-Test win over Australia in Brisbane (Inpho)

The tourists have won 18 of the 24 games so far. Australia have taken the other six while there have been no draws.

How to watch the British & Irish Lions v Australia

Here is how to watch the British & Irish Lions v Australia in the second Test match this Saturday.

If you are in the UK or Ireland, the game will be broadcast by Sky Sports and Now TV. For information, visit the Sky website.

You can also watch via Now Sports which offers daily (£14.99) and monthly memberships.

If you are on holiday or on the move and want to watch the game, you can use a VPN,  a piece of software that can change your device’s IP address to make it appear to be in any country in the world. NordVPN is currently offering 70% off.

Related: How to watch the British & Irish Lions wherever you are in the world! 

Australia v Lions team news for the second Test

Jac Morgan is on the bench in place of Ben Earl to give the side a Welsh representative while Bundee Aki, Andrew Porter and Ollie Chessum all start.

Porter and Ellis Genge have swapped roles from the opening Test while James Ryan, Owen Farrell and Blair Kinghorn all come onto the bench having played against the First Nations & Pasifika XV on Tuesday at Marvel Stadium.

Related: Full Wallaby team news for second Test clash

Australia have gone for a 6-2 split with wing Harry Potter providing midfield cover if required. Joe Schmidt has stuck with Tom Lynagh and Jake Gordon at half-back despite calls for Tate McDermott to start. Langi Gleeson will offer his bulk from the bench with Rob Valetini, Will Skelton and David Porecki all in from the start.

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