Melbourne born back rower Rob Valetini will run out in front of his hometown against the British & Irish Lions at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday night.
The back-to-back John Eales Medallist will return at blindside flanker after recovering from injury and is one of three changes to the starting forward pack, along with Will Skelton and hooker David Porecki who are set to face the Lions for the first time in a Test match.
Porecki will link up with James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa in an experienced front row, while Skelton will partner with Nick Frost as the run-on locks.
The backline remains unchanged from the one that started at Suncorp Stadium, with Jake Gordon and Tom Lynagh again the halves pairing.
Wallaby number 944 Len Ikitau and 21-year-old Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will continue to build on their midfield combination, while Melbourne product Harry Potter will play his first Test in his hometown on the left wing. Max Jorgensen lines up on the right edge and Clovelly Eagles junior Tom Wright will again start at fullback.
The coaches have continued with the same front-row replacements of Billy Pollard, Angus Bell and Tom Robertson, in what will be the Wallabies 700th Test match.
Wahroonga junior Jeremy Williams will take on a finishing role as the replacement lock, with Langi Gleeson returning from injury and the energetic Carlo Tizzano the remaining forward cover.
Livewire Tate McDermott has been confirmed as the substitute scrumhalf, while Ben Donaldson will get a chance to showcase his versatility, named in the number 23 jersey.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “The squad has recovered well after a very physical first test and the week’s preparation here in Melbourne has allowed us a bit more time together.”
“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.”
Wallabies team to play British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on Saturday July 26 at 7:45pm AEST
1. James Slipper (145 Tests) – #843; Bond Pirates
2. David Porecki (20 Tests) – #952; Seaforth Raiders
3. Allan Alaalatoa (82 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Nick Frost (27 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
5. Will Skelton (32 Tests) – #883; The Hills Sports High School
6. Rob Valetini (52 Tests) – #929; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (27 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (24 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (30 Tests) – #925; Canterbury Juniors
10. Tom Lynagh (4 Tests) – #977; University of Queensland
11. Harry Potter (4 Tests) – #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Len Ikitau (41 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (6 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (9 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (39 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (8 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (38 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Tom Robertson (32 Tests) – #898; Dubbo Junior Rugby Club
19. Jeremy Williams (12 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
20. Langi Gleeson (15 Tests) – #960; Harbord Harlequins
21. Carlo Tizzano (7 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
22. Tate McDermott (43 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
23. Ben Donaldson (18 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
The Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia 2025
Western Force 7 defeated by the British & Irish Lions 54 on Saturday 28 June at Optus Stadium, Perth
Queensland Reds 12 defeated by the British & Irish Lions 52 on Wednesday 2 July at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
New South Wales Waratahs 10 defeated by the British & Irish Lions 21 on Saturday 5 July at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
ACT Brumbies 24 defeated by British & Irish Lions 36 on Wednesday 9 July at GIO Stadium, Canberra
AUNZ Invitational XV 0 defeated by British & Irish Lions 48 on Saturday 12 July at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Wallabies 19 defeated by the British & Irish Lions 27 on Saturday July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
First Nations & Pasifika XV 19 defeated by the British & Irish Lions 24 on Tuesday 22 July at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday August 2 at Accor Stadium, Sydney