Australia v British & Irish Lions Second Test Preview: Key Battles & Predictions

Australia vs British & Irish Lions: Match Preview
Australia vs British & Irish Lions: Match Preview

The second test between the British and Irish Lions and Australia is set to take place on Saturday, 26th July, at the MCG. It will be a first for the Lions to play at the ground as they look to take the series win and go 2-0 in front of up to 100,000 fans!

In what could be the match that seals the series victory for the Lions, we have taken a look ahead to the second meeting between the sides.


First Test Recap

It was a hard-fought victory at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for the Lions after a fast and physical start to the match came from the home side. 

Precision, set pieces, and dominating the breakdown were the key things to separate the sides. Tries from James Lowe and Josh van der Flier went on to be crucial, while accuracy from Finn Russell’s kicking and five penalties kept the scoreboard going up for the Lions.

The Wallabies made some errors in their play, with lapses in discipline and concentration also evident, which ultimately let them down. Despite a late attempt to close the gap in the scores, the Lions' defence held firm when it needed to most and remained composed to win over the line.

The Lions currently lead the series 1-0. If the Lions can deliver their best in the second test, they will win the series for the first time since 2013. If Australia can come back, it is all down to a thrilling final match.


Team News

With the teams for the second test set to be unveiled on Thursday, we have taken a look ahead at the latest news surrounding both sides.

Lions: Joe McCarthy and winger Mack Hansen are expected to be out of the Lions side, with Ollie Chessum an expected replacement. Marcus Smith has passed a head-injury test and is expected to be on the bench, with Owen Farrell continuing to lead.

Wallabies: Tom Lynagh is expected to continue at 10, with Tate McDermott remaining at nine. Rob Valentini has recovered from a calf injury and is expected to be back, alongside Will Skelton, who will undoubtedly add some firepower that was missing in the first test.


British and Irish Lions Test Schedule

Date

Match

Location

Result

Saturday, July 19th

Australia (first Test)

Brisbane

Lions W

Saturday, July 26th

Australia (second Test)

Melbourne

TBC

Saturday, August 2nd

Australia (third Test)

Sydney

TBC


Wallabies vs Lions Betting Tips

Can the Lions go on to secure the series win on Saturday in Melbourne, or can the Wallabies take it to the final match? We have the latest odds for our predictions below:

  • Australia to Win - 7/2 

  • British & Irish Lions to Win - 1/5 

  • Total Over 46.5 - 10/11

  • British & Irish Lions to Win series - 1/16


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FAQs

Where is the second Test?

The second test takes place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

How many matches are there in the series?

There are three matches in the series overall.

When was the last time the Lions won a test series against Australia?

The British and Irish Lions last secured a test win back in 2013 against the Wallabies.

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