Lions v Australia live updates: Andy Farrell’s side go to Melbourne in search of second Test victory

Conor Murray says that a Lions whitewash is on the cards unless Joe Schmidt can turn it around.

"Honestly, though, I think the series is over. The first half in Brisbane was Australia’s chance to catch the Lions before they found a rhythm. I was shocked by how passive their forwards were in contact. There was no lack of effort, but the raw emotion was absent.

“The Lions deserve credit. They stamped out any hint of a contest from kick-off and at the start of the second half with Dan Sheehan’s brilliant try.

“Blame can be spread around but it should not be laid at Tom Lynagh’s feet. No outhalf can possibly be ready to control their first international start against a fired-up Lions, in the first test no less. It was strange to see Lynagh retained at 10, especially considering James O’Connor’s impressive Super Rugby campaign at the Canterbury Crusaders.

“This would have been an incredibly tough week for the Australian players. Win or lose, there is nowhere to hide when Schmidt is your coach. The sheer amount of specific “work-ons” can overwhelm players who are not at the level.

“Others love the detail; there are few greater feelings in a sporting career than executing a Schmidt game plan that you innately understand following months of reps.”

[ Conor Murray: A Lions whitewash of the Wallabies is on the cards unless Joe Schmidt can turn it aroundOpens in new window ]

Harry Wilson of the Wallabies and Maro Itoje of the British & Irish Lions pose with referee Andrea Piardi prior to the coin toss. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty

Check out Gerry Thornley’s letter from Melbourne, where he writes that the capital of Victoria is one of the great sporting cities of the world, while the cafe culture is also world class.

“Melbourne is also the sporting capital of Australia, and arguably the world. Vivien Lee of Visit Victoria and Melbourne Cricket Club treat the 30-odd Irish and UK media to a boat trip to the MCG for a magnificent lunch in the Long Room, with its panoramic view of the pitch from leather upholstered couches, and a tour of the iconic stadium.

“This includes a panoramic view of the nearby Rod Laver Arena, the main stadium used for the Australian Open, the AAMI Stadium, where Ireland played the Wallabies seven years ago, and the indoor Sports and Entertainment Centre and the Olympic Park Oval, while the Melbourne Grand Prix circuit in Albert Park is not far away either.

“As its striped members jacket and the Long Room implies, the MCG is akin to Lord’s, but only bigger and brasher. It is the biggest stadium in the southern hemisphere and the 11th biggest in the world.”

[ Gerry Thornley: Mighty Melbourne, where the coffee is strong and the wifi is weakOpens in new window ]

The Lions team selection was typical of Andy Farrell, writes Gerry Thornley, and it would have been 10 Irish players had Garry Ringrose not pulled out with concussion symptoms.

“This is a very Andy Farrell-like selection, for Aki will bring more punch than Tuipulotu, if not as much subtlety. Aki is also a big-game player who invariably performs for Farrell, and then there is Farrell jnr to see it home.

“It will be a big ask for Farrell snr and the occasion to inspire Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry to the same heights as last week, but the coach is able to emotionally inspire players, especially those of his own ilk, like Aki and the aforementioned duo. The outside three hold on but will need to play better, and probably will do.”

[ Lions team selection typical of Andy Farrell with Bundee Aki bringing plenty of punchOpens in new window ]

Lions Tour, second Test: Lions v Wallabies, Melbourne Cricket Ground, 11am Irish time

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the second Test of the Lions tour of Australia, against the Wallabies, kick-off is at 11am. The Lions won the first game 27-19 and could clinch the series here, but Joe Schmidt may have something up his sleeve, especially with Rob Valetini and Will Skelton back in the team.

Lions v Australia: Hugo Keenan (Ireland), Tommy Freeman (England), Huw Jones (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), James Lowe (Ireland), Finn Russell (Scotland), Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland); Andrew Porter (Ireland), Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Maro Itoje (England, capt), Ollie Chessum (England), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Tom Curry (England), Jack Conan (Ireland).

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher (Ireland), Ellis Genge (England), Will Stuart (England), James Ryan (Ireland), Jac Morgan (Wales), Alex Mitchell (England), Owen Farrell (England), Blair Kinghorn (Scotland).

Australia v Lions: Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter, Tom Lynagh, Jake Gordon; James Slipper, David Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa; Nick Frost, Will Skelton; Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson.

Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson.

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