Wallabies vs British and Irish Lions second Test in Melbourne live updates

(Getty Images)

The big talking point heading into this match was the three changes that Andy Farrell has made to his side.

The principle changes were in the midfield, where Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, the Scots who played so well in the first Test, were swapped out for the Irish pairing of Gary Ringrose and Bundee Aki.

Changes for changes sake?

Perhaps not. Aki and Ringrose were firming as the first-choice pair heading into the first Test only for Ringrose to suffer a concussion, paving the way for the Scots to come in.

However, Ringrose was then a withdrawal with lingering concussion symptoms for this Test too, meaning it will be a Irish-Scottish partnership of Akee and Jones for the first time since the match against the Reds at Lang Park.

Does the fact that the Lions are not going with a trusted partnership important?

Tuipulotu, who would have been so desperate to play in his home town, misses out, with a hamstring strain.

The other change was in the pack, where Ollie Chessum will play lock to make it an all English second row, and Andrew Porter comes in at prop to make the front row all Irish.

You'd think that leaves Ellis Genge ready to explode off the bench, given he was one of the Lions best performers in that first game.

That being said, the Lions bench did not add anything to things in the second half when they came on, so his aggression will be gratefully received.

Click here to read article